“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” – Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)
Imagine you had a friend who moved to a new country with a completely different culture. At first, they struggled – navigating the roads, mispronouncing words, and misunderstanding social cues. But over time, they adapted, learning the customs and embracing their new way of life. Similarly, when we receive Christ, we experience a transformation in every part of our lives, part of which is learning to extend grace to others.
As believers, the message that we believe to be saved is a message of the grace of God. We were guilty, yet Christ died for us so that we could receive forgiveness of sins (Romans 5:8). Now, you have been instructed to extend this same grace to others; to love and forgive others, even when they don’t deserve it (Ephesians 4:32).
To extend grace means recognizing that just as you have received undeserved mercy, you must offer the same to others. Jesus illustrates this in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35), showing that you must forgive without limit, just as God forgave you. Holding onto unforgiveness hardens the heart and gives the enemy a foothold (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
God’s expectation is clear; He calls us to walk in love. In 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NKJV), Paul teaches that love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” A believer’s love is not selective or conditional—it is patient and enduring.
Extending grace is a direct fulfillment of God’s commandment (John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:20). In addition, our ability to show grace to others reflects our appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice. If Jesus on the cross extended forgiveness, how much more we, who are products of His grace? (Luke 23:34)
Jesus is your example in all things. If He showed you mercy in salvation when you didn’t deserve it, you ought to also extend grace in your daily life. Strive to walk in love, bear with others, and forgive freely. By doing this, you would reflect Christ’s heart to those around you.
Dear believer, extend grace not because others deserve it, but because you have freely received it.
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 7-9; Mark 8:1-21