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Bible verse
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
What it means
Bitterness hardens the heart, but kindness softens it and opens the door to healing. God calls us to be tender and forgiving toward one another, releasing the debts we are tempted to keep. The measure and motive is stunning: forgive as God in Christ forgave you. At the cross, Jesus absorbed everything you owed and welcomed you home. When you remember how freely you were pardoned, you find the grace to extend it, letting go of grudges and treating others with the mercy you yourself received.
Ephesians 4:32 at a glance
| Reference | Ephesians 4:32 |
|---|---|
| Book | Ephesians |
| Chapter to read it in | Ephesians 4 |
| Topic | forgiveness |
| Passages linked to it | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Scripture explains Scripture. These passages are linked to this one most often by readers.
- Colossians 3:12-13
- Matthew 6:14-15
- Mark 11:25
- 1 Peter 3:8-9
- 2 Corinthians 2:10
- Ephesians 5:1
- Luke 6:37
- Luke 6:35
- Matthew 6:12
- Luke 17:4
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where do I find Ephesians 4:32?
It is in Ephesians, in Ephesians 4. Reading the whole chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and why.
What other passages go with Ephesians 4:32?
Readers most often set it beside Colossians 3:12-13, Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, 1 Peter 3:8-9. Each is listed under Read it in context.
How can I pray Ephesians 4:32?
Read it slowly once, then say it back to God in your own words, one phrase at a time. Stop on the phrase that stays with you and stay there. You can also ask the family of God on The Living Bread to pray it with you.
Pray this
Jesus, our Shepherd, nothing about Ephesians 4:32 is hidden from you. We bring you Ephesians 4:32, forgiveness. Make us people who love one another there. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Where to begin this week.
- Read all of Ephesians 4 today, not only the one verse.
- Write Ephesians 4:32 where you will see it, and read it aloud at the start and end of the day.
- Tell one person what this verse means to you, and ask what verse has carried them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Nothing here is a finish line. It is one door into a life with Christ and with His people.
Read it, pray it, live it
On The Living Bread you can read the whole chapter, save this verse, ask Simon to explain it, pray it over your life, and share it with someone who needs it today.
