Forgiveness   

In Colossians 3:12-13, Paul wrote this about how we should treat one another: “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
A Heart of Compassion: Paul said, “The love of Christ controls/compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14), and John said, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). The love we receive from God changes us; it makes a difference. Not only does it compel us to return love to God, but it should also compel us to love one another in the family of God.
Kindness: That heart of love and compassion will naturally lead to kindness. The Bible says, “Let us not love just in word or with tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Real love is shown and seen. It is demonstrated sometimes in elaborate ways like big unexpected gifts. But more often it is seen in the many small acts of kindness that remind us that we are loved in a very special way.
Humility: In Luke 18, the proud Pharisee said, “God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people who struggle with shortcomings and sins.” On the other hand, the lowly tax-gatherer humbled himself and said, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” We need more people who confess, “I’m not perfect, and I don’t and won’t expect you to be either.”
Gentleness + Patience + Bearing with One Another: Paul said something similar in Ephesians 4:2, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love.” God is longsuffering and forbearing; we certainly need Him to be. You and I need God to be patient with us; we ought certainly to be patient with others.
Forgiveness: Paul said we very well may have complaints about some things that other people might do. But love means that we find a way to forbear it, and we are to forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven us. The original Greek word for forgive is charizomenoi. It is actually a compound word which literally means, “to give grace.” To forgive is to give grace. To forgive is to treat people better than they deserve.
So have you been hurt by someone? Has someone said or done something that has brought you pain and discomfort? Do what God does for you: forgive. Give grace to others so that God will give grace to you.

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