Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Choosing Patience
Relationships get messy. We will hurt and be hurt. Paul urges us to bear with and accept one another despite inevitable offenses. Patience and mercy must mark our lives.
Taking the Initiative
We shouldn’t wait for an apology when someone wrongs us but rather take the initiative to forgive. Holding a grudge plunges us into bitterness. Freely forgive.
Following Christ’s Example
The ultimate model is Christ who forgave us completely though we were dead in sin. We must extend undeserved forgiveness to others, covering their faults with love.
The Fruit of Forgiveness
As we forgive the way Jesus forgave, relationships are restored and unity strengthened. We become more merciful and Christlike. What wondrous fruit forgiveness yields!