Forgiving One Another

Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Forgiveness is the most difficult—and most Christlike—work of the Christian life. Paul does not present it as optional or situational. He grounds forgiveness in the Gospel itself: as Christ forgave you. Revival never bypasses forgiveness, because unforgiveness quietly suffocates spiritual life.

Forgiveness does not minimize pain. Scripture never asks us to pretend wounds did not hurt. Rather, forgiveness refuses to let pain rule. It releases the offender from our personal vengeance and entrusts justice to God. Revival restores this trust, reminding us that God sees what we release.

Notice that Paul pairs forbearance with forgiveness. Forgiveness is often not a single moment but a sustained posture. Old memories resurface. Feelings linger. Revival gives grace not only to forgive once, but to continue forgiving when emotions resist obedience.

Forgiveness is not reconciliation by default. Trust may need to be rebuilt slowly, wisely, and with boundaries. But forgiveness must be immediate and sincere. Revival teaches us to separate releasing a debt from restoring proximity.

Unforgiveness hardens the heart and distorts perspective. It turns prayer cold and worship hollow. Revival exposes these effects not to condemn, but to free. Forgiveness clears space for joy to return.

Sunday is a fitting day to face this command honestly. Who comes to mind when you hear it? Revival often begins exactly there. What you release today may be what God has been waiting to heal.

Forgive as you have been forgiven—not because it is easy, but because Christ has already made it possible.