“Be"...The word 'be' is very powerful. It points to or predicts what can be attributed to you and I. God is-we can 'be'. We can become something we were not previously. We can become like Him in specific attributes. In regards to a specific character trait, 'be' assures we can develop that trait and can 'be' that in the present and future. In Christ-in His likeness and image we can 'be' what we couldn't 'be' apart from Him.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32, NIV.
One of the most powerful attributes of 'being' is possible only when we take on his kindness and compassion. He is and always has been kind and compassionate. In Him we can 'be' the same and therefore become empowered to 'forgive each other, just like God forgave/forgives us in Christ'.
"Forgiveness means giving up all hope (rights and entitlements) of a better past." Gina Barrault. I believe forgiveness also means giving up all expectations of a different or pain free future. When we act like Him in forgiveness, we can 'be' who we really are and act like our true self.
But; forgiveness (born in kindness and compassion) does not have any guarantee of the future being without pain. For example, forgiveness doesn't mean that we won't have to keep forgiving or that we will escape future pain. “Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.” (Richard Rohr)
Here is the hope of "being forgiving"-past and future pain will be transformed and no longer transmitted. We will still 'be' hurt, but no longer transmit that hurt into the future. Hurt people hurt people when there is no kind and compassionate forgiveness. Forgiven people transmit hope and healing. We can 'be' forgiving, just like God is and 'nurture' all around us with kindness and compassion. Then!
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. ’Ephesians 4:31,5:1 Msg., Ron Ross
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