Drop The Grudge! September 19, 2026

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

Ephesians 4:32 

Today’s Word

In a world that often rewards sharpness and holding onto grudges, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians calls us to a completely different standard. He challenges us to cultivate three specific traits: kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. These are not passive feelings, but active choices we must make every single day.

Kindness is love in action, which means choosing helpfulness over indifference. Tenderheartedness means keeping our hearts soft and empathetic, resisting the urge to become cynical when people hurt us. Finally, forgiveness is the ultimate release where we choose to let go of resentment.

The secret to living out this difficult command is found in the final phrase of the verse. We do not forgive others because they deserve it. We forgive because we have already been forgiven an immeasurable debt by God. When we realize the depth of the grace we have received, it becomes the very fuel we need to extend that same grace to the people around us today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible depth of Your forgiveness and grace toward me through Jesus Christ. I confess that it is often easy to let my heart grow hard or to hold onto small offenses. Today, I ask that You renew my spirit. Give me a tender heart that feels compassion for others. Help me to speak kind words and to extend forgiveness freely, reflecting Your love to everyone I meet. In Jesus' name, Amen.