Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering (patience); 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. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14

 If there is one thing I’ve learned in life, people are going to offend you either by the words they say, actions they take, or speak negatively about you behind your back. When these things come to your awareness, how do you respond?

 Today’s verses encourage you to freely forgive those offenders. That might sound like a tall order, given some of the evilest things you’ve experienced from another human. So how can you develop an attitude of forgiveness? Scripture above addresses that as well; having the following characteristics of tender mercies, humility, meekness, longsuffering, and bearing with one another. These character traits don’t come easy, they take time, maybe years to develop, but are necessary if you are to develop an attitude of forgiveness. As traits come naturally, those things that used to raise your blood pressure become opportunities to show them how powerful the love of God is through your forgiveness.

 Love is the next step; as God directs us to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). If this seems impossible, ask God to give you a heart after Jesus Christ. He never deserved death on a cross, but He willingly paid your sin debt to free you from Hell and the chains that keep you bound up from enjoying the fruitful life He promises. Let me leave you with three words to use next time you are offended, Forgive, Forget, and Love. Do these three and you’ll change the world around you! God bless!