Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV):
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

----------
Our New Identity

We are image bearers – created to reflect Jesus.
This is not a foreign or new idea – it’s who God created us to be.
Becoming like Jesus takes time; we don’t change overnight.
As a community, we will still struggle with sin and hurt one another.

---------
Bearing with One Another
Definition: Patience with slowness, immaturity, and habits – enduring as others grow.

Jesus as Our Example
Matthew 17:17 (NIV):
Jesus replied, "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."

What Bearing Looks Like
Not avoidance: Bearing includes addressing issues.
Example: "I'm willing to bear with you, but I need to bring this up."
Some people have habits and hurts that take time to overcome.

----------
Forgiving One Another
Definition: "Forgiveness is when someone owes you a debt and, instead of making them pay the debt back, you absorb the debt." - Tim Keller

When someone wrongs you, they owe you. Forgiveness means you absorb the cost.

----------
TWO KINDS OF FORGIVENESS

Heart Forgiveness:
Luke 23:34 (NIV): Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Stephen Acts 7:59-60 (NIV): While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them.
Mark 11:25 (NIV): "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."Forgive to receive forgiveness

Relational Forgiveness/Reconciliation
Luke 17:3 (NIV):
"So watch yourselves! If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them."

----------
Key Questions

What about justice?
You can love someone and still call the police or enforce consequences. Jesus paid God's penalty for sin, but human consequences remain.

What about reconciliation?
When someone repents and seeks reconciliation, meet them with a heart that has already forgiven.

----------
WHY BEAR AND FORGIVE?

Paul assumes these will be regular, ongoing practices. Make your mind up before you're wronged.

True Motivation >>> Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

How did Jesus forgive us?
- While we were enemies
- "Cancel their debt – I'll pay it."
- When we had nothing to offer
- Provided forgiveness us ahead of time

Best reason to bear with others and to forgive is to Imitate Jesus.

----------
God's Purpose for Us

God wants His people to reveal Him to the world.

----------
PERSONAL REFLECTION

Who are you bearing with?
Not everyone (you'll burn out).
Someone – a person it would be easier to give up on.
Someone painful to be around.

Who have you forgiven?
Not just for your freedom, but to set them free.

Have you experienced relational forgiveness?
Reconciliation isn't always possible or wise, but it should be something we desire and pursue.

Is God calling you:
To bear with someone?
To forgive someone?