Don't Take the BaitSample

Bear With One Another

It seems like we’re given endless opportunities each day to get offended—someone cuts us off in traffic, takes our parking spot, grabs the last item on the shelf or (heaven forbid) a visitor sits in our pew. Apparently, the believers in Colossae faced similar frustrations, and the Apostle Paul found it necessary to address them. His message? Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. In other words: bear with one another and be tolerant.

Paul doesn’t frame this as a polite suggestion—he ends with a command: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” That’s a high standard. If Christ has forgiven us an unpayable debt, how can we justify holding petty grudges?

The challenge for us is not just to tolerate one another, but to forgive freely and walk in love. When we choose to reflect God’s grace, we not only build stronger relationships, but we also honor the forgiveness He willingly gave us.