The phrase “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” is a powerful call to emulate God’s grace and mercy in our relationships. It is rooted in Colossians 3:13, which says:
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse reminds us that forgiveness isn’t just about letting go of resentment; it’s a reflection of the boundless forgiveness we’ve received through Christ. When we forgive, we mirror God’s character, creating opportunities for reconciliation and peace.
Furthermore, the command to “forgive as the Lord forgave you” is a profound and humbling directive that challenges us to live out the Gospel in our daily lives. Found in Colossians 3:13, it is part of a larger passage encouraging believers to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). Forgiveness is at the heart of these virtues because it reflects God’s own character and the grace we have received through Christ.
My brothers and sisters, it’s not always easy, but forgiveness is a choice that frees us from bitterness and allows God’s love to flow through us. It’s a reminder of the grace we’ve been given and a call to extend that same grace to others.
At the end of the day, when we consider how much we have been forgiven, it should move us to extend the same grace to others (see the Parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35). To forgive as the Lord forgave us means to let go of anger, bitterness, and the desire for revenge. It means making a choice to release others from the debt we feel they owe us, just as God released us from the debt of sin.
FOR us a Child is born, unto us a Son is GIVEN (Isaiah 9:6).
Pray with me:
Father God, I will never forget the depth of the pain and sacrifice You endured to reconcile and restore me. With that in mind, I come to You now, seeking Your help. There are wounds in my heart caused by others that I find hard to release. I bring before You my pain, hurt, and anger, asking You to soften my heart. Please teach me to forgive as Jesus forgave me — fully, freely, restoratively, and with love.
Help me to remember that forgiveness is not about excusing wrongs, but about releasing bitterness and trusting You to bring justice. Fill me with Your peace and grace so that I can extend the same to others.
Holy Spirit, where forgiveness feels impossible, I ask for Your supernatural strength. Remind me that through You, all things are possible. Transform my heart so that I may reflect Your abundant grace and mercy so that I can walk in the freedom of forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.
4GIVEN 