Should Christians Forgive & Forget?

Look Back

What did you “clothe” yourself with this week?

Look Up

Read Colossians 3:13-15

1. Based on these verses, what potential goal is the author, Paul, trying to achieve by directing followers of Jesus to achieve by “bearing with” each other? Why do people tend to resist doing this?
2. How easy is it for you personally to “bear with” other people who do not agree with you? Who do you know who is able to do this effectively and what specifically do you see them doing?

Read Colossians 3:13-15 & Romans 5:8 / In Colossians 13:13, why does Paul direct us to forgive “anyone” who “offends” us. Is there anyone in your past that you have not been able to forgive yet? If so, what impact has this had on you and your relationship with others?

1. How has Jesus forgiven you? How did He show His forgiveness and how should followers of Jesus respond to this?

Read Colossians 3:13-15 & John 14:27 / In John 14:27, Jesus says that His “peace” is not the same as the “peace” that the world gives. How are they different and why are these differences important to remember, apply and to share with others?

1. Have you ever personally experienced “the peace of Christ” in your life? What does it take for you to find and maintain this in your daily life?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

What offense do I need to release so peace can rule in me?

Notes

Paul gives several difficult instructions to Jesus followers in Colossians He starts by telling us to “bear with” each other which requires us to make our heart open to grace and compassion. Sometimes this looks like choosing to show kindness when we are hurt, and to be a thermostat, not a thermometer, by setting the tone instead of reflecting the temperature of the room. Next, Paul tells us to “forgive anyone”. Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a decision - he did not say forgive when they deserve it. However, we need to remember that forgiveness is not forgetting and forgiveness is not the same as trust. Finally, he tells us to let the peace of Christ be the controlling factor in our hearts. The challenge for all of us is to let the peace of Christ, not our hurt, not our pride, not our fear, and not our emotions, decide how we respond and act.