Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

There are three specific virtues—kindness, compassion, and forgiveness—that form a model we are called to live by. This standard of forgiveness resembles the way Christ forgave each of us, guiding us to match both the quality and extent of God’s forgiveness. Within our relationships—whether with family members, romantic partners, coworkers, children, friends, or even strangers—we often feel resistance to expressing that same level of Christ-like kindness and compassion, especially when people wrong us, treat us poorly, or betray our trust. Yet it is precisely in these challenging experiences that we’re invited to forgive more deeply, to love more compassionately, and to overcome evil with good.

When we harbor resentment, the bitterness in our hearts harms us more than those who wronged us. We are the ones stuck with the pain, hurt, and negative thoughts—not them. What purpose does holding onto that really serve? So, reach out to the person who wronged you. Allow others to be who they are. Give grace to people you interact with daily, recognizing that they, like you, are simply doing their best with what they have. This goes way beyond just our individual healing—the energy we emanate extends to the person before us, creating a domino effect within our community.

Allowing others to receive kindness, compassion, and forgiveness when they seem undeserving enables them to extend the same grace to people in their lives who also may be undeserving. When we fully receive God’s forgiveness and extend it to others, we create the loving, kind community that reflects the new life Christ intends for us.