The Lifestyle of Forgiveness: A Consequence of a Lifetime Relationship with a Forgiving God
Isaac Megbolugbe
July 10, 2025
Introduction
Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, and it’s rooted in the understanding that God is a forgiving God. According to Ephesians 4:32, believers are called to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave them.
The Nature of Saving Faith
Saving faith is not just about believing that we are forgiven; it’s about apprehending the glory and beauty of God’s forgiveness. It’s about admiring and savoring the truth that a forgiving God is the most precious reality in the universe. This faith looks at the horror of sin and the holiness of God, and it’s satisfied with the new friendship with a great, forgiving God [1].
The Effect of Forgiveness on Our Lives
The experience of God’s forgiveness has a profound effect on our lives, enabling us to become forgiving people. As we look back to the cross of Christ, we learn of the grace in which we will ever stand, and we’re reminded that the living God is a forgiving God. This understanding gives us the freedom to forgive others, flowing from the all-satisfying fellowship with the forgiving God [2].
Key Takeaways
– Forgiveness is rooted in God’s nature: God’s forgiveness is not just a reaction to our sin, but it’s an expression of His loving and forgiving character.
– Saving faith savoring God’s forgiveness: True faith doesn’t just receive forgiveness; it admires and savors the truth that a forgiving God is the most precious reality in the universe.
– Fellowship with a forgiving God enables forgiveness: Satisfied fellowship with a forgiving God is crucial for our being forgiving people.
Conclusion
A lifestyle of forgiveness is the consequence of a lifetime relationship with a forgiving God. As we experience the depth of God’s forgiveness, we’re enabled to forgive others, and our lives are transformed by the power of forgiveness. May we savor the truth that a forgiving God is the most precious reality in the universe, and may our lives be marked by kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness, just as God in Christ forgave us.
