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.

Application: 

One way we manifest the characteristics of the new self is by forgiving one another (3:13). Some believers harbor unforgiveness, resulting in perpetual anger and bitterness. Why? Because, to them, offenses committed against them linger like unpaid bills, demanding payment. However, they forget that our vertical relationship with God is linked to our horizontal relationships with one another.

Forgiveness does not mean approving of a sin or excusing evil. Instead, forgiveness involves releasing individuals from the obligations created by their wrongs against you. This can take the form of unilateral forgiveness—meaning forgiving someone who has not sought forgiveness—or it can manifest as transactional forgiveness, which entails the offender’s confession, repentance, and reconciliation.

What makes forgiveness possible is recognizing that the Lord has forgiven you (3:13). There is an inseparable link between forgiving and recognizing that you’ve been forgiven. To refuse to forgive is, in fact, to burn a bridge over which you must cross (see Matt 6:14-15). If you refuse to forgive, you block God’s operation in your life (see Matt 18:21-35). But when you forgive, you no longer “grieve” the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30), and you imitate the one who has forgiven you.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1255–1256.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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My book, “Battle Strategy: God’s Plan Amid Chaos.” It’s packed with helpful insights into Bible study and understanding. You can get a free digital version on my website. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book go to helping children. The book covers the main biblical points and salvation, so you’ll find something valuable. 

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