Just as the Lord Forgave You.

Are you choosing not to forgive someone right now? Do you want to be free of bitterness in your heart?

We have all complained against someone at some point of our lives. Even as Christians, we fall into this sin of complaining against our own brothers and sisters. Is this how we should be showing our love for one another? Certainly not! Why then is it so easy to grumble and complain about others? What is the difference between Christians who complain and unbelievers who grumble against each other? There should be a big difference! Forgiveness and Love.

As Christians, we need to not only keep ourselves far away from complaining and grumbling (Philippians 2:14-18), but to also forgive those who have a complaint against us (Colossians 3:13).

"...bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."

When you are in Christ, you realize that you have been forgiven of a great debt you could never repay. Being in Christ means you have put your faith and trust in Him. You have committed to living a life that is pleasing unto Him. Complaining against others is a temptation you need to escape from (1 Corinthians 10:13). Say a prayer to God for that person rather than complaining about them.

An unbeliever may be able to forgive the wrong committed against them because they want to do good works. What they do not understand is that Christ forgives those who repent and turn to Him because they realize the gravity of their sin. They realize they do not deserve to be forgiven, yet Christ Jesus extends His loving arms to receive the repentant sinner, granting him forgiveness, by His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is why, as believers, we need to forgive each other. With that, you can be blessed by being liberated from bitterness, pride and jealousy. Beyond forgiveness, we need to always put on love, the perfect bond of unity.