Introduction - Colossians 3:1-3:18

In Colossians 3:1-3:18, Paul provides us with guidelines for holy living. He instructs us to set our hearts and minds on heavenly things, reminding us that as believers, we have died to ourselves and now Christ lives in us. Paul urges us to put to death the sinful nature of our fallen selves, including sexual impurity, greed, and idolatry. He also encourages us to rid ourselves of anger, malice, slander, and filthy language. Additionally, Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. And finally, he emphasizes the importance of forgiving one another as the Lord has forgiven us.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a way for the Lord to release us from guilt and set us free to continue loving God and others. It is a choice we make, a decision of our will. We forgive by faith, trusting in God's Word and praying for His help in completing the work of forgiveness in our hearts. When we forgive, we are pardoning ourselves and letting go of anger, bitterness, and resentment that previously imprisoned us. This includes forgiving ourselves, as God has already forgiven us.

Forgiveness is not based on the actions of others but is a reflection of our repentant and broken hearts toward God. It is an acknowledgment of His love, compassion, and mercy to heal our brokenness. By choosing forgiveness over bitterness, we experience the peace of God flooding into our lives. Bitterness only weighs us down and hinders our relationship with God and others.

To forgive, we must first go to God and ask Him to take charge of the situation. We need to trust Him to bring justice and make things right. Then, we should thank God for the good people He has placed in our lives and focus on the positive rather than the negative. This shift in perspective will bring joy back into our lives. Lastly, we must love God and love others, reaching out to Him and allowing Him to heal our broken hearts.

The Choice to Forgive

Revenge is not the answer; forgiveness is. We should not seek revenge but leave room for God's wrath, for He is the one who will repay. Instead of seeking vengeance, we choose to forgive. In doing so, God begins to heal our broken hearts and restore peace to our lives.

Conclusion

Forgiveness is a powerful tool that sets us free from the burden of anger, bitterness, and resentment. It is a choice we make to obey God's command and trust in His ability to heal and restore. When we forgive, we experience the peace of God and open ourselves up to His best for our lives. Let us choose forgiveness over bitterness and allow God to work in our hearts.

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