Bible Study
Colossians 3:13 – 15 (TLB)
“Forgiveness – The Peace It Brings”
“Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. 15 Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful.”
The idea of forgiveness is a difficult one for many people. They have been harmed and the hurt is deep. I think of those who have lost a loved one at the hands of another and we are called to forgive. Some forgive others and others refuse to forgive. It is clearly written in these verses if we want the forgiveness and grace of God we must act the same.
It is not an optional concept it is mandatory. Believers must be willing to forgive. What happens when we forgive? God replaces the hate for love. Paul says it is love that binds us together. Do I want to bound with the one that harmed a loved one? Tough question and each must answer that question. It takes the supernatural love of God to help us through all these situations. It is love that binds us together whether it be a family, a church, or even a business.
When we forgive, when we allow love to enter into the situation we are facing then we can find what Paul called “peace” in verse fifteen. It is only after the first two (forgiveness and love) that we can achieve peace. It may not be something we understand but it works. When we cast the stuff off ourselves that drags us down then we can have peace in our lives. “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7 NJKJ).
We have peace because of the eternal security he has promised the believer, the pain here is of short duration compared to an eternity with God.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 