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.
Psalms 57:1
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me, for my soul trusteth in thee.
Psalms 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Matthew 18:21
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.