Forgive as You've Been Forgiven

Paul is teaching the church at Colossae how to live clothed in Christ. He says part of walking this life out is learning to bear with one another — which means be patient, make room for imperfections, and extend grace even when it’s uncomfortable.

Then he takes it deeper: forgive one another. Not when it’s easy, not when the other person apologizes the right way, but as the Lord forgave you. That hits, because God didn’t wait for us to get it together before He forgave us. His forgiveness was lavish, undeserved, and complete. That same forgiveness is the standard we are called to extend.

This verse reminds us that forgiveness isn’t just about releasing others — it’s about reflecting Christ. Unforgiveness will keep you bound, but forgiveness keeps you free. When we forgive, we’re not saying the offense was okay; we’re saying God’s grace is greater.

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is freedom. Holding on to offense traps us, but releasing it mirrors God’s mercy toward us. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrong—it means refusing to be imprisoned by it.

I’ve had to forgive people who could never repay what they took from me. It wasn’t instant, but it was necessary. Choosing to forgive lifted a weight I didn’t realize I was carrying. Forgiveness also keeps me pure and clean in my walk with God; how can I encourage my brother and sister when I am holding unforgiveness in my heart?

Be patient with people; everybody’s in process. Forgive not based on feelings, but based on the way Christ forgave you. Think of someone you need to release. Pray for them by name today. Ask God to help you forgive the way He forgave you. Remember: forgiveness doesn’t excuse the wrong — it sets you free from the weight of it.