Unity of Spirit
Colossians 3:13Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Bearing with is load-bearing language—people are heavy sometimes. Complaints are acknowledged, not denied; then forgiveness follows the Lord's pattern. Must forgive is strong because forgiven people are not free to collect endless debts. Name a complaint you have nursed into a hobby. Bear with the person's weakness where you can, address harm with clarity where you must, and forgive as you have been forgiven. Summer proximity in families can raise old complaints; this verse belongs at the picnic table. The Lord's forgiveness toward you is the measure and the power. Receive it again, then release someone from your private courtroom.
PrayerLord, You forgave me—help me bear with others and forgive as You have forgiven, especially where complaints run deep. Amen.
