Let It Go

Posted by Karah

1 Let’s Recap

Verse 12 starts out with the word, “Therefore.” That lets you know you should probably back up a bit for better understanding. Writing from prison, Paul was explaining to the Colossian believers that in Christ, life should be different (Col. 3:1-4). They needed to put aside all ungodly behaviors, things like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, and lies. If all that kind of stuff had been going on among them, then don’t you think they were probably holding onto some grudges against each other?

Read Colossians 3:12-14 below. Underline all the things Christians are told to do in these verses.

“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.” —Colossians 3:12–14

2 Ask yourself:

Why do you think Paul used the phrase “put on” in reference to the qualities he mentioned in these verses?

How well are these qualities displayed in your life? Explain.

Do your thoughts about forgiveness line up with those presented in this passage? Why or why not?

3 The Point

Because we all have a sin nature, we fall short sometimes. What that means is that we all need forgiveness. That’s where Colossians 3:12-14 comes in. The short version is this: God forgave you; you need to forgive others.

Some things to remember when people make you mad, disappoint, or hurt you:

God forgave you.

Each of us struggles against our sinful nature.

Sometimes when someone else struggles with their sinful nature, you have to deal with some of the fallout.

Only two things in life really matter—loving God and loving people.

Christians must cultivate a lifestyle of forgiveness (Col. 3:13).

4 Take Action

Think about your life. Are you holding on to past hurts or grudges in any area of your life? Is there someone you need to forgive? Turn it over to God today.

Saying and doing are two different things. How will you choose to live out your forgiveness today?

There are a lot of myths about forgiveness.

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions