Forbearing and Forgiving as Christ Colossians 3:13

As Paul the apostle continued to encourage the Colossian church members in their relationship with Jesus Christ, he told them of several earthly ways they should “put off” and certain Christ-like ways they should “put on”. In chapter three and verse thirteen of his letter, Paul continues his list of characteristics they should exhibit as he shared concerning “forbearing” and “forgiving”. We read:

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

The verse begins, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:” Paul wrote, “Forbearing one another” which means “to hold up, sustain, bear and endure another person”. It implies “suffering with” another person “reciprocally” and “identifying with” one another in different situations. Paul also told them to be “forgiving” or “doing something pleasant or agreeable to one, to do a favor for, gratify or grant pardon and forgiveness to” “one another”. They were to be “benevolent and ready to restore” each other “if” which denotes a condition “any man have a quarrel” or “blame or complaint” “against any”.

The verse goes on to say, “even as Christ forgave you, so do you also.” As an example of the way the Colossians were to be toward one another, Paul employed Jesus “Christ” when he wrote“even as Christ forgave you” which refers to the way Jesus has provided forgiveness for sins to everyone who believes in His sacrificial death on the cross. Paul then charged the church members with “so do you also” which means “in the same manner, thus, on this wise or likewise” they were to do the same.

When we think about the list of traits the Colossians were to exhibit in their lives from the verse before this one: “mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness and longsuffering”, we may find them difficult and still somewhat manageable. However, when we consider being “forbearing and forgiving”, we may find this a greater challenge especially when we have a “blame or complaint” against another person. Grudges seem easy to keep, and forbearance and forgiveness seem such a challenge. There is no doubt that these qualities seem impossible when we try to obtain them within our own strength, and as we learn of them and examine our lives in light of them being manifested by us, we must also include the power of the Holy Spirit to have them be who we are. Let us continue to grow in our walk with the Lord Jesus so we see Him as our example not only in forbearance and forgiveness, but also in every way Paul the apostle challenged the Colossians to “put on”.

Next time Paul tells the Colossians what to“put on” above all else, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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