Forgive . . . as God in Christ Forgave You - Christians are called on to ''put away'' the things which entangle unbelievers. This includes sins such as malice, slander, commotion, and bitterness - we should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude of love and forgiveness. Forgiveness is a unique characteristic of the Christian faith. Scripture often includes reminders of God's forgiveness toward us - referring to the forgiveness believers have received from Christ

What does Ephesians 4:32 mean?

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32 English Standard Version

Paul's final verse of this section offers three brief commands. 

First, he explicitly tells his readers to exhibit kindness. The focus is not merely on generic helpfulness. 

Paul is specifically thinking of compassion for other believers in the congregation.

Second, Paul uses the Greek word eusplanchnoi, which means to be "tenderhearted," or "compassionate."

It is sometimes taken to mean "strong-hearted," as well. 

Paul's use of it here focuses on the idea of showing sympathy.

Believers are not to be known for a harsh attitude, but rather for compassion. 

The account of the Good Samaritan offers Christ's picture of living with compassion toward others (Luke 10:25–37).

Third, Paul commands readers to forgive one another.

This instruction comes with an explanation, referring to the forgiveness believers have received from Christ (Matthew 18:21–35). 

Forgiveness is a unique characteristic of the Christian faith. Scripture often includes reminders of God's forgiveness toward us. 

For example, Matthew 6:12, asks God to "forgive us our trespasses, as we also have forgiven our debtors." 

Matthew 26:28 reminds us that the blood of Jesus was specifically "poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Context Summary

Ephesians 4:17–32 is a valuable, highly practical explanation of how to live out a Christian life. 

Paul notes the difference between a life wallowing under the power of sin, as opposed to a life thriving in the power of Christ. 

Christians are called on to ''put away'' the things which entangle unbelievers. This includes sins such as malice, slander, commotion, and bitterness. 

Instead, we should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude of love and forgiveness.

Chapter Summary

Truly understanding saving grace, as Paul explained in prior chapters, is the Christian's first motivation for living a godly life. 

Here, Paul encourages believers to live in way which honors that gift. 

All saved Christians are part of a single, unified family, part of the ''body'' of Christ. 

At the same time, different believers are given different talents. 

Some are called to positions of leadership and authority. 

All Christians should turn away from the ''old self'' we were prior to being saved. 

Paul's explanation of the ''new self'' includes some basic, practical steps.

bibleref.com

You might also like:

No Matter What You’ve Done, God Will Take You Back - God the Father created you, Jesus the Son died for you, and God’s Spirit wants to live in you. Christmas is proof of God’s love for you

When God Gives You a Second Chance, Seize It - trust in God’s character and the grace he extends. Confess your sins and ask God to forgive you - salvation is free and open to anyone who turns from their sins and agrees to follow him as their Lord and Savior

The Thief on The Cross - God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life