Kindness, Compassion and Forgiveness

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

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

In linguistic analysis. Order speaks to priority. The verse instructs the reader to be kind in the first instance and compassionate. This is logical. It requires a person to be considerate and helpful whilst being mindful and demonstrating a sympathy and concern for another's suffering, being moved to take action to help alleviate it, and combining empathy (feeling with them) with a desire to act rather than just observing.

Compassion is kindness in action.

The verse instructs the reader to let go of any resentment and anger (forgiveness) which would inhibit the priority of being kind and compassionate.

The final part of the verse acts as a reminder and a reason why. 'Just as in Christ God forgave you.'

The word 'just' can be used to mean something which has happened a short time before or to make a comparison, for example, when Christmas shopping we might see something with one price and then see the same item in a sale at a cheaper price. On seeing the difference it might be said that the second item is 'just' a bargain compared to the other price.

The reader is reminded that via Christ, God forgave the sins of the world and the individual. The comparison and reason is also noted via the word 'as,' in Christ God forgave you.

'As' can mean 'because' or a reason why. For example, 'I must get ready as I have to go out soon.' Smaller words can have a significant impact on the text.

We are to be kind and compassionate and to forgive as Christ demonstrated during his life.