Forgiven to Forgive
07/26/2025
“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 (NIV)
Forgiveness can be one of the hardest commands to obey, especially when we’ve been deeply wounded. Yet here in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we’re not just told to forgive, we’re called to forgive as the Lord forgave us. That’s a high bar. How has the Lord forgiven us? Completely. Freely. Unconditionally. Even when we didn’t deserve it.
In marriage, friendship, and church life, conflict is inevitable. At some point, someone will say the wrong thing, forget something important, or act selfishly. Paul starts with a gentle but firm reminder: bear with each other. That implies patience, endurance, and a willingness to stay connected even when it’s difficult.
Years ago, Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, shared a story that powerfully illustrates this verse. After speaking at a church about forgiveness, she was approached by one of the former prison guards from Ravensbrück. He didn’t recognize her, but she knew exactly who he was. He had been cruel to her and her sister. Now, standing before her, he reached out his hand and asked for forgiveness.
Corrie hesitated. Every fiber in her body resisted. But in that moment, she remembered the grace Jesus had given her. She silently prayed, asking God to help her forgive. As she extended her hand, she later said she felt something like an electric current run through her body, and in that moment, she truly forgave him.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt or acting like it didn’t happen. It means releasing our right to vengeance and trusting God to deal justly. It means choosing freedom over bitterness.
Here are some things to help you on your journey.
Reflect: Who are you holding a grudge against right now? Write their name down and begin praying for them daily.
Release: Ask God to help you let go of resentment and choose forgiveness.
Reach Out: If appropriate, consider reaching out to the person you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from.
Remember: Keep a journal of the ways God has forgiven you—it builds gratitude and humility.
My challenge for you is this:
Live like a forgiven person. Let God’s mercy toward you soften your heart toward others. Forgiveness isn’t just a gift to them, it’s freedom for you.
Father, thank You for the mercy You have shown me through Jesus. I have been forgiven so much, and I don’t want to hold onto bitterness or resentment. Help me to forgive others, even when it’s hard. Give me the strength to release the pain and trust You with justice. May I reflect Your love and grace in every relationship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“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 (NIV)
Forgiveness can be one of the hardest commands to obey, especially when we’ve been deeply wounded. Yet here in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we’re not just told to forgive, we’re called to forgive as the Lord forgave us. That’s a high bar. How has the Lord forgiven us? Completely. Freely. Unconditionally. Even when we didn’t deserve it.
In marriage, friendship, and church life, conflict is inevitable. At some point, someone will say the wrong thing, forget something important, or act selfishly. Paul starts with a gentle but firm reminder: bear with each other. That implies patience, endurance, and a willingness to stay connected even when it’s difficult.
Years ago, Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, shared a story that powerfully illustrates this verse. After speaking at a church about forgiveness, she was approached by one of the former prison guards from Ravensbrück. He didn’t recognize her, but she knew exactly who he was. He had been cruel to her and her sister. Now, standing before her, he reached out his hand and asked for forgiveness.
Corrie hesitated. Every fiber in her body resisted. But in that moment, she remembered the grace Jesus had given her. She silently prayed, asking God to help her forgive. As she extended her hand, she later said she felt something like an electric current run through her body, and in that moment, she truly forgave him.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt or acting like it didn’t happen. It means releasing our right to vengeance and trusting God to deal justly. It means choosing freedom over bitterness.
Here are some things to help you on your journey.
Reflect: Who are you holding a grudge against right now? Write their name down and begin praying for them daily.
Release: Ask God to help you let go of resentment and choose forgiveness.
Reach Out: If appropriate, consider reaching out to the person you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from.
Remember: Keep a journal of the ways God has forgiven you—it builds gratitude and humility.
My challenge for you is this:
Live like a forgiven person. Let God’s mercy toward you soften your heart toward others. Forgiveness isn’t just a gift to them, it’s freedom for you.
Father, thank You for the mercy You have shown me through Jesus. I have been forgiven so much, and I don’t want to hold onto bitterness or resentment. Help me to forgive others, even when it’s hard. Give me the strength to release the pain and trust You with justice. May I reflect Your love and grace in every relationship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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