Forgive as the Lord Forgave: Embracing a Life of Forgiveness

At some point in our lives, we have all experienced hurt and betrayal from others. The pain may still linger, and forgiving those who wronged us can seem impossible. However, as followers of Christ, forgiveness is not optional – it is a commandment given to us by our Lord. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Forgiveness is not a one-time act but a continuous process in our faith journey. It requires us to release the anger, bitterness, and resentment that we hold onto and offer love and grace instead. This can be challenging, but we can extend the same to others through Christ’s forgiveness. This blog post will explore what it means to forgive as the Lord forgave and how we can embrace a life of forgiveness through Colossians 3:13.

Forgiven to Forgive: A Powerful Reflection on Colossians 3:13

Colossians 3:13 powerfully reminds us of the forgiveness we have received from God and calls us to extend that same forgiveness to others, no matter how difficult it may be. This verse is echoed throughout the Bible, as God’s forgiveness is a central theme in His Word.

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches us that “if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But your Father will not forgive your sins if you do not forgive others.” This is a sobering reminder that our forgiveness is directly linked to our ability to forgive others.

1 John 1:9 assures us, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God’s forgiveness is not based on our merits or actions but on His grace and love for us. And because we have received this incredible forgiveness, we are also called to forgive others.

Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We have been forgiven through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, and only through His example can we truly forgive as the Lord forgave.

The Power and Magnitude of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful act that heals both the one being forgiven and the one extending forgiveness. It breaks the chains of bitterness and resentment and paves the way for restoration and reconciliation.

In Genesis 50:15-21, we see the power of forgiveness in action through the story of Joseph. Despite the betrayal and harm inflicted upon him by his brothers, Joseph chose to forgive and reconcile with them. He tells them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, saving many lives.” Joseph’s forgiveness restored his relationship with his family and fulfilled God’s plan.

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, and Jesus responds, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus uses a hyperbolic example to emphasize that forgiveness should have no limit. We are called to forgive continually, just as the Lord forgives us daily.

Luke 23:34 records Jesus’ words on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even as He was dying a painful death, Jesus chose to forgive those who had crucified Him. This demonstrates the magnitude of forgiveness and the immense grace of our Lord.

Applying the Command to Forgive One Another

Forgiveness is not just a concept or a feeling; it is a command God gives us. But how do we practically apply it in our daily lives? Here are three ways we can actively forgive others as the Lord forgave us:

1. Remember God’s forgiveness: When we struggle to forgive, we must remind ourselves of the forgiveness that we have received from God. We were once sinners, but He forgave us unconditionally, sending His Son to die for our sins. This should motivate us to extend the same forgiveness to others.

2. Pray for those who wrong us: In Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” When we pray for those who hurt us, our hearts soften towards them, and we can see them through the eyes of Christ.

3. Choose to forgive: Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. We may not feel like forgiving, but we can still choose to extend forgiveness through the power of God’s love within us. As we make this choice, God’s love and grace will transform our hearts.

A Guided Prayer on Choosing Forgiveness

Dear Lord, we come before You with a heavy heart, burdened by the hurt and betrayal we have experienced from others. But we know that Your Word calls us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Please help us to release our bitterness and resentment and embrace a life of forgiveness.

Lord, remind us of Your incredible forgiveness towards us. May Your love and grace motivate us to forgive those who wronged us.

We lift those who have hurt us to You and choose to pray for them. Soften our hearts toward them and help us see them through Your eyes.

Lord, we choose to forgive. We lay down our right to hold onto grudges and bitterness and instead choose to extend love and grace. Transform our hearts, Lord, and help us to live a life that reflects Your forgiveness and love.

Thank You, Lord, for the power and magnitude of forgiveness. May we extend it to others, just as You have extended it to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.