“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)
Have you ever quarrelled with a sibling and wondered if your relationship would survive? Yet somehow, it always does. In Christ, we are also family. When hurts happen, forgiveness and healing are not just beneficial; they are essential to preserving our unity as believers.
In our anchor text, Apostle Paul is speaking to a church about bearing with one another and addressing grievances. He acknowledges that conflicts will occur, but emphasises that in love, we must learn to bear with our siblings in Christ. He offers Christ’s forgiveness as the foundation for maintaining unity.
Remembering God’s love for you helps you deal with offences from fellow believers. Their actions do not reflect God’s love or the whole body of Christ. Remembering who you were before God’s love found you also helps you stay patient with those who hurt you. As believers, we are all growing, and a sibling may not yet be mature in their faith, so that you can extend grace (Ephesians 2:1-5).
While patience and forgiveness are essential, it is also necessary to acknowledge your hurt. Speaking to the person is a good first step (Matthew 18:15-17). Discussing your pain with a trusted counsellor or church member can also help you heal.
Take it to God in prayer, remembering that because we are of the same family, the Holy Spirit is always willing to help heal your heart (Psalm 34:18) and even touch the heart of the other believer. You can also, by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, discern when it’s right to remove yourself from an unhealthy situation.
If someone in the family of God has hurt you, your pain is real, and it matters. Families do hurt one another, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. As you walk through this, may you find wisdom to navigate the hurt, grace to remain patient, and may God’s love abound in you as you forgive as Christ did.
Dear believer, remember: there is still love at home. One person’s failure does not define this family, and it certainly doesn’t diminish your place in it. Hold on to the truth that unity in Christ is sustained by forgiveness, patience, and love.
Bible Reading Plan: Jeremiah 20–22; Hebrews 9:23–10:10