bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. Colossians 3:13 NABRE
In this section of the letter to the community at Colossi which contains the quoted verse, Paul is speaking about life post-baptism. We strip off our old self and become a new self when we have been transformed in baptism. Paul focuses on behavior that we have between one another. He list vices we should stop, and says we should stop lying to one another. We should look at one another as if we are all members in the family of Christ, treating each other with love. We should have heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience; we should bear with one another, forgiving one another. In any kind of grievance that we might have with one another, we must forgive as the Lord forgives us. We must bear with troublesome followers, knowing that we too are troublesome at times. If we can be forgiven, or expect forgiveness, than we must also be willing to forgive. The rationale for forgiveness comes from the Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive others.” Paul continues by saying put on love, the bond of perfection. Paul uses this taking off and putting on image, like we receive a new garment when we become followers of Jesus. With this new garment, which we should wear proudly, we must always remember to represent it well.
Many people wear a small Christian cross around their neck or perhaps as a bracelet. When we do we should be cognizant of the fact we are representing Jesus when we wear it. Jesus deserves followers who live up to the standard He set, particularly when it comes to love and forgiveness.
Do you wear an image and imitate Christ? When people see you can they determine you are a follower of Christ?
If we can be forgiven, or expect forgiveness, than we must also be willing to forgive. The rationale for forgiveness comes from the Lord's Prayer, 'forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others.' Share on X#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #image #forgive#Paul #everybodyalways #god#jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways