Most of us have grown up in homes where we were taught to act nice.  Maybe you were told as a kid, if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.  The problem with acting nice on the outside is it doesn’t change what’s on the inside.  Paul flips the script.  He says that how we act on the outside is the result of what’s been done on the inside.  Kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness naturally flow from the person who has experienced personally God’s forgiveness.  A person who doesn’t believe they are forgiven will be filled with bitterness, anger, evil speaking, hatred… even an antagonistic attitude.  All those behaviors are a sign of condemnation and judgment.  I believe I’m condemned and judged by God, so I condemn and judge everyone else.  However, grace transforms us on the inside and brings the reality of forgiveness to every place where we still experience hurt, rejection, abuse, neglect and attack.  Not only are you forgiven for what you’ve done, but what’s been done to you is forgiven as well.   Now, you have the power to extend that same forgiveness to others and allow His kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness to flow through you.  Why not receive His gift of no condemnation today through the forgiveness of sins.  You are forgiven!

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.