Two Sides
"bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Colossians 3:13 ESV
There is a common expression, "two sides of the same coin." Love and forgiveness are like that. We can't love others if we aren't willing to forgive, and we can't forgive them without love. We have often witnessed the destruction of something beautiful because we don't pay attention to both sides of the coin.
Today's verse tells us to bear with one another. As humans, we make lots of mistakes. Some days more than others. While we usually don't intend to hurt others with our mistakes, it happens. We cause hurt, and others hurt us. Sadly, this is part of our experience, and when this occurs, we must be forgiving, seeking absolution from God, each other, and ourselves.
Forgiveness is sometimes very challenging and should not be trivialized. It cuts deep, injuring our feelings and pride. In forgiving as God forgives, there is nothing so great that we should not be willing to forgive. If Jesus, hanging on the cross, forgave his tormentors, we filled with His love and empowered by the Holy Spirit can forgive far less.
God, we give thanks for your forgiveness. We freely admit we make mistakes. We don't always act as we should. Sometimes in our actions, we harm others. We ask you for the forgiveness of our sins. Please help us to have patience with each other and to demonstrate love and forgiveness. Father, help us to forgive as you forgive. In Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
Is there someone you need to forgive today? Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness?
