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"As Christ forgave..."

Text: Colossians 3:13

CHALLENGES IN LIFE

There are many challenges in life. We may face hardship. We may be struck by dreadful diseases. These are physical challenges that we can overcome.

SOCIAL AND INTER-PERSONAL CHALLENGES

There is another type of challenges that we must also give due consideration. Living in a Christian community has its own challenges.

“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another,
if anyone has a complaint against another;
even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Colossians 3:13

1. Difficulties hinted at

a) In the context of social exchange.

b) Differences are to be expected.

c) Hurting each other must also be factored in.

2. Appropriate responses

a) “Bearing with one another”

i) We learn to put up with each other.

ii) We learn to forbear.

b) “Forgiving one another”

i) It is not easy to forgive, especially when we feel aggrieved.

ii) Yet forgiveness must be exercised.

iii) Forgiveness is simply the exercising of grace (Greek “charizomai”).

3. When it is very hard to exercise forgiveness

a) When there are complaints.

b) When the complaints bring much grief and anger.

4. Take time to apply our faith

a) Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ forgave us of:

i) A life-time of sins.

ii) Some sins are deeply grievous.

b) Choose to forgive as Christ forgave us.

This would be an excellent way of expressing true faith in life.