“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
Colossians 3:12-13 (NASB)
As we abide in Christ we become more like Him in the way that we deal with other people. In Colossians 3, Paul particularly addressed our relationships with other believers. We are to love and reach out to those in the world but be especially good to those in the household of faith (Gal. 6:10) How are we to act towards our brothers and sisters? With compassion, kindness and humility as demonstrated by the love of Christ. How are we to respond to those who frustrate us? By bearing with them in gentleness and with patience just as Christ has been towards us. How are we to deal with those who have wronged us? By forgiving just as Christ has forgiven us. We respond to others this way because God has chosen us, because God loves us, because God has made us Holy and because God has given us the perfect example through the love of Christ.
Questions for application…
What are some reasons that we must treat others with love, patience and forgiveness?
Does our command to forgive depend on the repentance of the offending party?
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