Read: Colossians 3:12-17
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (v. 13 NLT)
Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God extends to us the gift of freedom and forgiveness. After being crucified with two renowned criminals, Jesus pleaded with his Father saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Jesus offers forgiveness to even the worst of us, right up until the end.
In today’s passage, the apostle Paul instructs the believers in Colossae to forgive one another as God forgave us (Col. 3:13). However sometimes the wounds of past hurts are deep and the scars still itch. The pain of those past hurts can be overwhelming. It can be hard to let go of past hurt and accept the gift of forgiveness. It can be even harder to let go and offer forgiveness freely to others.
Forgiveness recognizes the existence of your hurt but seeks to let go of the sensitivity to anger and craving for revenge. It does not disregard the hurt against you. This is why the apostle says, “Make allowance for each other’s faults” (v. 13 NLT). Forgiveness is hard, but it can be a beautiful and powerful thing. Don’t allow yourself to be trapped and consumed by anger, resentment, and bitterness. God has offered you a way out. Will you forgive and be forgiven today? —Keziah Namusaazi (Manager of Production and Broadcast, Words of Hope Uganda)
As you pray, ask God to work in you so that you can freely offer forgiveness.
About the Author
Keziah Namusaazi is the Manager of Production and Broadcast for Words of Hope Uganda.
