Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:13-14 NIV
One of the greatest freedoms in Christ comes from knowing we are completely and eternally forgiven. This divine grace sets the standard for our lives. Indeed, God calls us to mirror His mercy by forgiving others as God forgave us. This profound command, found in Colossians 3:13-14, unlocks true unity and lasting peace within our relationships.
This passage sets a high standard for our human interactions. Ultimately, we must make God’s divine act of forgiveness the model for our own relationships. This is not merely a suggestion; rather, it is a profound command requiring both radical humility and a deep understanding of God’s immense grace.
Consider how the Lord forgave us. Firstly, He forgave completely, removing our sins ‘as far as the east is from the west’ (Psalm 103:12). Moreover, this forgiveness came freely; it was a gift of mercy, never earned by us. Therefore, God also chose irrevocably not to remember them (Hebrews 8:12). Similarly, forgiving others as God forgave us means releasing debt. It involves letting go of any right to seek revenge. Furthermore, we choose to love the person who caused the grievance.
Clinging to unforgiveness actually builds a prison for ourselves. It blocks the very joy and unity God desires for us. Consequently, choosing to forgive means walking in the light and truth of our redemption. This choice allows love to bind us together in a perfect unity. Ultimately, this unity reflects God’s own powerful reconciling work.
Living It Out
You have received the immense gift of reconciliation with God. Therefore, you possess the spiritual capacity to cancel the smaller debts others owe you. Consider any grievances you hold today. Forgiveness is a powerful key to freedom. When you forgive, you release yourself into the complete joy and perfect unity of Christ’s love.