Ephesians 4:32

Reflection

To the call to forgive one another, a standard is attached: "just as in Christ God forgave you." The measure is not the size of my feeling but the size of the forgiveness received.

Kindness and tenderheartedness come before forgiveness. It is the order that the heart must first soften before forgiveness is possible. Forgiveness is a decision of the will and, at the same time, a melting.

If there is someone you cannot bring yourself to forgive, recall the forgiveness you first received. From that place of having received, a step — forgiveness that flows rather than forces — begins.