“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
No matter how many wrongs we have committed, God still forgives us. He does not weigh our offences on a scale, neither does He decide not to forgive us, no matter the weight of our offences. His forgiveness is limitless.
In our various walks of life, we may have met various people who have deeply hurt us, and some of us may have held on to what they did by refusing to forgive them. As Christians, we are to forgive others as God has forgiven us by sending His only begotten son to die for our sins and grant us eternal life (John 3:16).
When we forgive others, we are following the Bible’s instructions to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness is a sign of spiritual maturity.
When we keep grudges against others, it breeds constant bitterness and anger, this is why Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (NLT)
It is important for us as believers to learn not to take offence because it is not in our nature and also because the word of God instructs us not to. God wants us to extend the same forgiveness we have received from Him to others. We cannot claim to love our brothers and sisters if we do not forgive their mistakes. We are called to always walk in love.
Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 7-10