His Grace, Our Forgiveness
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Ephesians 4 and Psalm 4 (NIV)
(Sandra Choi, CIC Facilitator)
READ:
Ephesians 4 and Psalm 4 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Ephesians 4, Paul reminded us of the seven “ones” that bind us as believers (v4-6), the diversity of gifts and maturity among us, and the importance of growing together as the body of Christ with Him as the head (v9-16). In verses 17-32, he provided instructions on how we can live in unity and challenged us to put off the “old self” and put on the “new self”, created in His righteousness and holiness.
In Psalm 4, David teaches believers to call on the Lord when in distress and remember His faithfulness and goodness in the past (v1-3); to find His peace and stillness in our quiet time (v4-5) so that we may be filled with His joy and peace (v6-8).
APPLY:
As I ponder these two chapters, I am reminded of the importance of relationships — with others, with God and even with myself. While relationships bring joy and acceptance, they also bring hurts like disappointment, anger, and guilt. Sometimes the difficult relationship is an inner struggle — an inability to forgive myself — or even the unforgiveness that arises from a deep wound caused by another. At other times, it may be anger or disappointment towards God when my prayers are left unanswered.
The command to “be kind, tender hearted, and forgiving” (Ephesians 4:32) feels impossible when the pain is great and forgiving feels like giving others permission to cause me pain, but the truth is that forgiveness is not about validating the other person’s actions; it is for me, freeing my own soul. By practising the stillness and honest self-examination David commands in Psalm 4:4-5, I can surrender both my pride (my rights to my pain) and the pain that afflicts my heart to Jesus, making room to be filled with His peace and joy.
DO:
Perhaps a first step I can take is to choose to put on the new self of kindness and forgiveness. I can be intentional in practising examen daily before bedtime, to self-examine in honest reflection like David in Psalm 4 and to name one hurt or unforgiveness that surfaces, to surrender that pain to God in prayer, and to accept the peace and joy He promised into my heart.
PRAY:
Thank You, Lord, for showing me the many relationships in my life, some filled with love, others difficult and long-suffering. Give me the awareness of Your daily peace and the courage to choose peace over pride. When past hurts surface, I pray Lord, that You will give me the courage to let go and let You work. I thank You, Lord, because You model what forgiveness is, I can have the courage to forgive. In Your name, I pray.
