His Compassion. Colossians 3:13 A heart filled with compassion (bowels of mercies) begins with a Christ-like attitude and concludes with conscious forgiveness because God has forgiven us. There is a divine order in godly living that shows grace to a watching world through the lives of God's people. Compassion naturally leads to kindness, doing good for others with genuine affection and goodwill—not just out of duty. Humility of mind is not merely a physical stance but a conscious awareness of who we are, reflected in a humble attitude rather than arrogance. The strength of character to deny oneself and avoid self-assertion is meekness. It involves an absence of pride with any power we possess under control. To endure provocation patiently is called long-suffering (a long temper). Accepting people as they are and tolerating their quirks is the attitude of forbearance without taking offense. Holding onto resentment and refusing to let go is the opposite of forgiveness. God forgives those who confess and abandon their sins. Likewise, we must do the same.
Forgiveness goes beyond merely tolerating, which means a person will not do what they have the right to do out of consideration for the weakness or suffering of a fellow believer. Forgiveness cancels the wrong that has been committed or an obligation left unfulfilled. This verse does not suggest that forgiveness from God depends on us forgiving others first. God does not forgive us because we forgive someone who has sinned against us. His forgiveness extends far beyond anything we might offer. What is at stake here is having a forgiving spirit as opposed to an unforgiving one.
Forbearing is holding back unkindness, retaliation, sharp words of rebuke, or taking revenge. Forgiveness means not holding back goodwill and love by deliberately setting aside any demands or self-pity through dismissing and forgetting them. Forbearance and forgiveness are qualities of meekness and patience, virtues we should adopt. We must be eager and willing to forgive without reservation because God has forgiven us so much.
How many times have we gone over this?! How many more times must it be done before we learn?! And yet, I wonder how many times things were repeated to me. Even now, I am likely to forget, so I quietly bear the seeming inattention and careless response I receive from teaching and counsel given. I don't know what is happening inside another person's mind, in their life, or even their hidden burdens.
Someone must pay a price for patience and forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a cheap act. When I offend someone with my words, I face this fact: I expect them to forgive me; they expect me to forgive their actions. I must pay somehow for what they have heard, and I should step in to meet their needs. How did Christ forgive me? What was the foundation of the freedom from guilt He provided for me?
There was nothing within me to prompt a favorable response from Him. He forgave me because of His great love and free mercy. The grace of His generous heart provided for me what I could never earn or rightfully claim. I am called to forgive regardless of what I think I know or how I am treated. God's forgiveness toward me should be reflected in my forgiveness, patience, and compassion for others—whatever is needed.