[13] “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” — Colossians 3:13 NKJV
We live in an evil world (see Galatians 1:4), and nothing good happens by automation. For that cause, one common thing to see almost every day among people is an offence. Jesus was (and is still) right when He said in Luke 17:1 NKJV that,
“… It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!”
It’s not possible for people to dwell together without anyone trespassing the others. That’s why forgiveness is very essential in the believer’s life. It’s so crucial that without it, relationships would be crushed. Some marriages have ended up in divorce because one spouse failed to forgive the other for an offence.
One minister said, “You sign up to see offences anytime you sign up for a relationship – be it friendship, marriage or belonging to a corporate organisation like a church.” But here’s my take on these matters.
I view life as too long to hold up grudges in my heart. If my friend offended me today, what good is it to keep it for years? Won’t it derail my peace of mind? Even in Matthew 18:15, Jesus explained that the offended usually suffer more than the offender. And that’s why the offended must approach the offender to point out his offence.
Drop matters which don’t matter to your life. As you correct those who offend you constructively unto the glory of God, never forget that forgiveness frees you first of guilt than the one who did it. And if you find it hard to forgive, remember how great a debt of sin Jesus has paid for you to receive the gift of salvation for free.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for forgiving me of all my sins. Help me to drop matters which don’t matter, always upholding the revelation that my divine purpose to fulfil in life is too great to be offended by something small.
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 276
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