"Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." -Colossians 3:13, NRSV
Has anyone out there ever had someone else with whom you are in close relationship who gets on every... last... nerve? Most of us have.
Just like even good foods can cause our stomachs to have indigestion, even healthy relationships can have some very unsettling aspects. What makes them healthy is our ability, and our willingness, to lovingly address these issues, which actually increases the intimacy and trust as we move forward in greater understanding.
Don't get me wrong. Not all relationships (nor all foods) are worth having, and healthy boundaries are important. The words of Colossians 3:13 are rather an encouragement for those within the family of God who are seeking to honor God but struggling with personal differences.
That word "bear with" comes from a compound Greek word that combines having ("exo" in Greek) with the word for up or completion ("ana" in Greek), so basically to hold onto something (or someone) until completion.
Pennington translation: To all Christians who are living in fellowship with one another: don't give up on each other! Those times of frustration, misunderstanding and difference may come as an attack from the enemy, but God can use them as opportunities for growth and deeper intimacy. And what an anointed, pleasant aroma of Christ that is when we learn to live and serve together in true unity (see Psalm 133)!
Life-giving, godly relationship are worth fighting for!
Click here to read Colossians 3
Image by Ryan McGuire from Pixabay
