Colossians 3:13
Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Have you ever held a grudge against someone who was mean to you or offended you? If yes, how does it make you feel? When we are hurt, our first reaction is usually anger and resentment. We can't let go of the pain until we take revenge on those who hurt us. It weighed down our spirits, stole our joy, and kept us tied to the past. It's so easy to get offended nowadays, and I'm sure we have all experienced it. Sadly, it's not uncommon to see people cheering for revenge and ranting on social media today. In spite of how most people handle offenses, we, as Christians, are challenged to handle them differently. We're taught to forgive when wronged and to make allowances for other people's faults. You may feel as if this is an impossible task. However, as this verse points out, we’ve been forgiven by God, so we should also forgive others. So today, if someone has offended you, choose to forgive. Put yourself in their shoes and show them compassion and kindness. Although they may not respond with grace, you can rest in peace knowing that God is pleased with what you did and the enemy of anger no longer has control over you.
Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
1 Peter 3:9
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Psalms 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Luke 17:3
If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he repent, forgive him.