They say everyone is normal until you get to know them, but you find they annoy or even offend us. We know we should forgive them but sometimes it is just too hard.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." 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." Colossians 3:13.
BEAR
This verse begins with the phrase "to bear." If we have this attitude in all our relationships they will become easy. To bear is carry, or to endure; we are to carry not only each other's burdens but their weaknesses.
EACH OTHER
It goes both ways, you bear with them and they with you, no matter who- the rich or poor, wise or uneducated. No group is left out. Besides if it is hard for you to bear with them remember they are being asked to bear with you and it is unlikely that you are perfect.
FORGIVE
To forgive is to grant grace, it is to overlook an offense, but not only that it must not hold any back; you can't say, "I'll forgive but I won't forget," that is not forgiveness.
GRIEVANCE
A grievance is a deep-felt argument, and it is like an open wound. We can carry a grievance a long time if we are not careful. It can fester and affect all areas of our life and relationships.
AS THE LORD FORGAVE
You expect God to forgive you graciously and utterly, so in that same way, you must forgive others. No matter how deeply you are offended the Lord has experienced a deeper offense.
* The Lord forgave sacrificially.
* The Lord forgave completely.
* The Lord forgave lovingly.
* The Lord forgave without recrimination.
* The Lord forgives for all time.
Can we forgive the same way the Lord does? No one can! The good news is that when the Lord comes into your life you have His power to live and forgive. In Christ, you can forgive the same way that He forgave sinners.
When He is in your life he will change your heart. We must keep growing closer to him through prayer, His Word, service, and fellowship; then as we grow in Him we grow in the power to forgive.
To know more about how to have God in your life follow this link to my other blog.
(c) Adron 11/28/15
