So, as those who have been chosen of God,
holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a
complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Colossians 3:12-13
Nestled alongside compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience is the challenge to forgive each other. As Christians we live in a perpetual state of forgiveness because Jesus died in our place, and we forgive others because God has forgiven us.
Do people who hold grudges and refuse to forgive think they are better than God?
When Christians gather around the communion table, forgiveness is an honored guest. It would be haughty to share in that Holy meal, remembering our Savior’s death, burial and resurrection, with malice in our hearts.
We must perpetually forgive others and mend relationships before eating the bread and drinking the wine. (How embarrassing it would be to choke to death on a wad of our own pride!) Life goes down so much easier when we can feast on healthy servings of grace from one another.
Father God, impress on us the importance of forgiveness before we eat at your table. We long for tender, forgiving, non-judgmental hearts and want to deal graciously with each other like you have always dealt with us. Thank you for forgiving us, through Christ, amen.
Sandra Milholland
Abilene, Texas
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