Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness is a powerful and transformative practice that has the potential to bring healing and peace into our lives and the lives of others. The word of God teaches us how to practice forgiveness and the benefits of forgiving others when they have wronged us. Colossians 3:13 says, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” and Matthew 6:14-15, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” These passages not only emphasize the importance of forgiving others but also reveal the connection between our forgiveness of others and God's forgiveness of us. When we remember all that Jesus has done for us, we are able to extend grace to others. 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." Colossians 3:13 presents forgiveness as a non-negotiable aspect of Christ followers. Forgive as the Lord forgave you sets a high standard for forgiveness by emphasizing that we should forgive others just as the Lord has forgiven us. When we contemplate the depth of God's forgiveness towards us, it becomes clear that our own capacity to forgive should mirror that of Jesus. The Lord forgives us not because we deserve it, but out of His love and grace. As recipients of His forgiveness, we are called to extend that same love and grace to others. A FEW THOUGHTS: Forgiveness is a Commandment: Forgiveness is not merely a suggestion; it is an essential part of living out our faith. A Standard of Comparison: We are called to forgive "as the Lord forgave you." Today, I challenge your to reflect on the depth of God's forgiveness toward you. His forgiveness is boundless, offered freely, and not based on our deserving it. I have found myself holding others to an impossible standard, when I do not meet that standard. We are to extend the same kind of forgiveness to others, irrespective of their actions. Releasing the Burden: When we forgive, we release the burden of anger, resentment, and bitterness. We choose to let go of the offense and offer it to the Lord, may we come to a place with him where we ask for grace for those who have offended us. Embracing Grace: Forgiveness is an act of grace and love. It reflects God's character and His desire for reconciliation and restoration. Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides profound teachings on forgiveness. Jesus presents forgiveness as a reciprocal act. If we forgive others when they sin against us, we will also be forgiven. This reciprocity underscores the importance of extending grace to others. Do unto others as we would want done unto us. On the flip side, Jesus issues a warning. If we do not forgive others, our heavenly Father will not forgive our sins. This statement emphasizes the seriousness of holding onto unforgiveness. I know this is extremely difficult, maybe that’s why Jesus wants us to remember our sin, when we bring ourselves down to earth we are less likely to get caught up in righteous indignation. One theologian put it this way, “The betrayals and infidelities in my life are too numerous to count. I still cling to the illusion that I must be morally impeccable, other people must be sinless, and the one I love must be without human weakness. But whenever I allow anything but tenderness and compassion to dictate my response to life - be it self-righteous anger, moralizing, defensiveness, the pressing need to change others, carping criticism, frustration at others blindness, a sense of spiritual superiority, a gnawing hunger of vindication - I am alienated from my true self. My identity as Abba’s child becomes ambiguous, tentative and confused.” Brennan Manning “Abbas Child” Forgiving others not only restores our relationship with God but also sets us free from the bondage of unforgiveness. It liberates us from carrying the weight of resentment and anger. Forgiveness aligns with God's commandments. It is an act of obedience and reflects our commitment to living according to His principles. When we are living as Sons and Daugthers, we are able to meet others with grace and forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 and Matthew 6:14-15 remind us of the transformative power of forgiveness. It is not merely a transaction but a spiritual practice that can lead to peace, healing, and reconciliation. When we forgive others as God forgave us, we mirror His love and grace in our relationships. Moreover, Jesus' teachings in Matthew emphasize the interconnectedness of forgiveness, showing us that our willingness to forgive impacts our relationship with our heavenly Father. We must embrace forgiveness as a virtue and a path to peace. As we extend grace to others, we experience the boundless love and forgiveness of our heavenly Father, creating a ripple effect of reconciliation and healing in our lives and our worlds. Related Scriptures: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:31 NLT “Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:21-22 NLT “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms 139:23-24 NLT