Yes, we Christians are to “forgive” one another.

Once that was such a “given” that saying so was nearly unnecessary.

But no longer!

Churches are rifled with pockets of disharmony. Cells of bitterness. Schisms where one “side” (maybe the older members) is pitted against “another” (the newer folks and the Pastor). Just an example!

Therefore Paul charges us in Ephesians 3:32. Live day by day … “FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Thus says the Lord!

Elsewhere in the New Testament, Colossians 3:13, the command is repeated. “FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

In both cases I’ve cited, the verb “forgive” is identical.

Different than when God forgives us, too!

When God forgives us, “aphiemi” is utilized. it means “to send away!” Like God “collars” our sins … and banishes them to oblivion! Here’s the word: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just TO FORGIVE (aphiemi) us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1st John 1:9. thrilling, isn’t it? My sins expelled, banished, into the utmost depths of the sea, as far as the east is from the west!

But when we are (Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 both) told to “forgive” one another, “charizomai” is the verb of choice. It means “to do something graceful, kind, merciful, pleasant, benevolent” to a person! (“Charis” is the Greek noun for “grace!”)

Do not resent.

Do not hold a grudge.

Do not “tell someone off.”

Do not be ugly, mean.

Be sweet.

Overlook the wrong done to you!

And as in Colossians 3:13, where “quarrel” has the idea of “blame, wrong, fault,” dismiss such failures, remembering how God has much more than dismissed ours!

Now that’s Christian living!

I once asked a Brother (in the Church I was pastoring at that time) to “forgive” me for an area where I had failed him. I’ll never forget what he said, how he responded. These words came from his mouth, “Preacher, you were forgiven before you asked!”

Wow!

That’s the spirit of today’s Text!

One more time … “FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Amen.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell