The Narrow Way

Forgiveness stands out as both a challenging command and a liberating gift, right?

Colossians 3:13 offers profound insight into the Christian ethic of forgiveness, placing it within the context of community and the individual’s transformation through Christ.

This verse not only instructs us to forgive but also to live in a state of grace towards one another, just as the Lord has offered grace to us.

Colossians 3 paints a picture of the new life in Christ. It calls us as believers to set our hearts on things above and to shed the old self with its practices, embracing a new self that is renewed in knowledge and in the image of the Creator. Against this backdrop of personal renewal, Paul addresses the interpersonal relationships within the community of believers.

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.”

Paul encapsulates the essence of Christian community living, centered on mutual forbearance and forgiveness, reflecting the nature of Christ’s forgiveness towards us.

Application to Our Daily Lives:

1. Practicing Forbearance: Bearing with each other means showing patience and tolerance towards our fellow believers. This involves recognizing that we all are works in progress, and it allows for grace as people grow and change.

2. Addressing Grievances Promptly: When grievances arise, we are to address them promptly, seeking resolution and offering forgiveness. Holding on to offenses only breeds bitterness, whereas forgiveness fosters unity and healing.

3. Emulating the Lord’s Forgiveness: Forgiving as the Lord forgave us is a high calling. We are to forgive freely, completely, and repeatedly, not because it is deserved but because it reflects the character of Christ.

4. Fostering a Forgiving Community: The health of a Christian community is measured by its capacity to forgive. By fostering an environment where forgiveness is practiced, we allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts and our relationships.

5. Recognizing Our Own Need for Forgiveness: It’s easier to extend forgiveness when we are mindful of our own imperfections and the forgiveness we have received from God. Acknowledging our own need for grace helps us to be gracious to others.

6. Offering Unconditional Forgiveness: True forgiveness does not come with strings attached. We offer it unconditionally, not based on the other person’s actions, but on our commitment to obey Christ.

7. Cultivating Personal Peace: Forgiveness is not just an external act; it’s an internal posture that brings personal peace. As we forgive others, we experience the peace that comes from releasing the burden of un-forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13 calls us to the challenging yet rewarding practice of forgiveness. By bearing with one another, addressing grievances, emulating the Lord’s forgiveness, fostering a forgiving community, recognizing our own need for grace, offering unconditional forgiveness, and cultivating personal peace, we embody the power of forgiveness in our lives.

As we strive to forgive as freely as we have been forgiven, we will not only find liberation for our own souls but will also become agents of healing and reconciliation in our communities.

May we commit to the art of forgiveness, reflecting the boundless grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.