Anchor My Faith

Author: Stephen Weller
1,144 words, 6 minutes read time

Previous Lesson
Next Lesson

Forgive Each Other

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:13 ESV)

This verse was apparently chosen to convey the importance of forgiving one another, but in isolating it as a verse for today, one leaves behind a very rich context of meaning. Beginning at verse 1, we read: ¹ “You have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Following these verses are instructions on how to “put to death” what is earthly in us (verses 5 – 11).

The next series of verses, (verses 12 – 14) which include ours, instructs us to “Put on” certain characteristics as God’s chosen ones who are holy and beloved. Verse 13 lifts out two of these characteristics for us to consider: bearing with one another and forgiving each other.

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2 ESV) describes how we are to bear with one another. To bear with one another is a polite way of asking someone to be patient while something else is being done. We have all experienced this as we wait for something or someone and as we wait our irritation may grow and that is when humility, gentleness, patience and love come into play as be bear the delay.

When irritated by someone’s complaint or someone hurts us in some way, we are to forgive and not hold a grudge against them. Jesus illustrated this in Mark 11:25 ESV: “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Our willingness to forgive others is connected to our Father’s willingness to forgive us. We are to forgive as God in Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).

I personally know of a situation in China involving the murder of an American missionary. When asked about pressing charges against the one who committed the murder, the wife said, “As a Christian, I forgive him and would not press charges. Because of the government connection in this incident, this forgiveness resulted in an openness to the gospel in that major city in China where the murder occurred; an openness that I enjoyed as a missionary over a six-year period of teaching Bible there.

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

Forgiveness as a Reflection of Christ’s Grace

Summary Paragraph

In Colossians 3:13, Paul instructs believers to bear with one another and forgive one another whenever grievances arise. The foundation for this forgiveness is not human merit or personal feelings but the example and grace of Christ Himself. Just as Christ freely forgave believers despite their sins, Christians are called to extend that same mercy to others. Forgiveness promotes unity within the body of Christ, restores relationships, and demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel. This verse reminds believers that forgiveness is not optional but an essential characteristic of those who have received God’s grace.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. Why does Paul connect our forgiveness of others with Christ’s forgiveness of us?

Answer:
Paul connects these two truths because the forgiveness believers have received from Christ serves as both the model and motivation for forgiving others. Every Christian has been forgiven an immeasurable debt of sin through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. When we remember the mercy God has shown us, it becomes easier to extend mercy to those who have wronged us. Forgiveness is not based on whether another person deserves it; rather, it flows from gratitude for the grace we ourselves have received. By forgiving others, believers reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate that His love has transformed their hearts.

2. What does it mean to “bear with one another”?

Answer:
To bear with one another means to exercise patience, understanding, and grace toward others, especially when their weaknesses, habits, or actions are difficult for us. No church, family, or friendship is made up of perfect people. Differences in personality, maturity, and background can create tensions and misunderstandings. Bearing with one another means refusing to become easily offended and choosing to respond with love rather than irritation. This attitude recognizes that God is still at work in every believer and that we all need patience from others just as we need patience from God.

3. How does forgiveness contribute to unity within the church?

Answer:
Forgiveness prevents bitterness, resentment, and unresolved conflicts from dividing God’s people. When offenses are left unresolved, relationships become strained and fellowship suffers. Forgiveness breaks the cycle of anger and retaliation, allowing healing and reconciliation to occur. A church marked by forgiveness reflects the gospel it proclaims, showing the world the power of Christ’s love. Unity does not mean the absence of disagreements; it means believers choose to handle disagreements with humility, grace, and a willingness to forgive. As Christians practice forgiveness, they strengthen relationships and preserve the peace and harmony that God desires for His people.

4. Is forgiveness a feeling or a decision?

Answer:
Forgiveness is primarily a decision of obedience before it becomes a feeling. Emotions often take time to heal, especially when the hurt is deep. Scripture calls believers to choose forgiveness because Christ has forgiven them. This decision involves releasing the desire for personal revenge and entrusting justice to God. While painful memories may remain, forgiveness is an ongoing commitment to treat the offender with grace and not allow bitterness to control the heart. Over time, God often brings emotional healing that follows the act of forgiveness. Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing but frees the believer from the burden of carrying resentment.

5. What practical steps can believers take to live out Colossians 3:13?

Answer:
Believers can live out this verse by regularly remembering God’s forgiveness, praying for those who have hurt them, seeking reconciliation when possible, and refusing to dwell on offenses. They can ask God to help them see others through His eyes and to respond with patience and compassion. Maintaining a humble attitude also helps, because humility reminds us that we, too, need God’s grace every day. As believers practice these habits, they cultivate a spirit of forgiveness that strengthens relationships and honors Christ. Living out Colossians 3:13 requires dependence on the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to forgive in ways that would be impossible through human strength alone.