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)
Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. – (Colossians 3:13, ERV)
Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind. – (Colossians 3:13, VOICE)
This verse is a powerful reminder of grace and mercy. Because we have been forgiven, we need to do likewise. Grudges harm the holder far more than the offender. Bearing the burden of unforgiveness creates a weight that none of us were intended to carry. When we lay it down, let go and allow God to be God, we are set free from the internal angst and are able to press forward in all that we are called and created to do. May we look to the Lord to fill us with His grace and forgiveness so that we may go forth and extend the same to those around us.
Lay down your burdens,
Choose let go, forgive;
Release the anger,
And let God’s love live.
As we’re forgiven,
May we do the same;
As image bearers,
Let’s honor His Name.
Grace and God’s mercy,
Extended to us;
May we do likewise,
Just like Lord Jesus.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You forgive us each time we seek You. Thank You that You call us and equip us to do the same. Thank You that we are meant to forgive one another and not hold onto hurts and frustrations. Forgive us for the times that we have struggled to place all in Your hands. Thank You that Your grace and mercy for us has granted us life and peace and hope. Show us how to forgive in the same way, so that others may come to know the power of peace in Your presence as mercy is extended and grace is granted. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we forgive because we have been forgiven. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. – Matthew 6:14
Revelations In Writing 