Forgiving One Another (Forgiveness Series - Conclusion)

Text: Colossians 3:13–14 (KJV)

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”

If we were to summarize the work of Jesus in one word, that word would be forgiveness. Right from the start of the New Testament, Scripture shows us the heart of God revealed in Christ:

• Matthew 1:21 – “For He shall save His people from their sins.”

• Luke 24:47 – “That repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His Name…”

• John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

• Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins…”

• Hebrews 9:28 – “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many…”

• 1 Peter 2:24 – “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree…”

• 1 John 2:12 – “I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His Name’s sake.”

All these verses reveal one thing: Jesus’ work is the forgiveness of sins, and we Must Follow Christ’s Example. If anyone truly looks at Jesus… If anyone truly follows Him or is His student… Then forgiveness—that gracious, godly virtue—should never be missing from their life.

Why? Because we ourselves are the direct products of God's forgiveness wrought in Christ! To withhold forgiveness from others is to forget—perhaps even take for granted—just how much we’ve been forgiven.

The Standard is Clear. Paul puts it plainly: “Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13b. We are called to forgive others exactly as Christ forgave us. This is not a suggestion. It’s a standard. So the question is no longer: “Do they deserve my forgiveness?” The real question is: “How has Christ forgiven me?”

When you understand Christ’s redemptive work, forgiveness becomes not just a duty—it becomes your reasonable response.

But What If It’s Hard? Yes, forgiveness can be hard. But when we focus on how Jesus forgave us, it becomes possible. Forgiveness is love in action.

And when forgiveness feels like an uphill battle, it’s time to look again into the Word. Look again at how you were forgiven. Look again at the grace you’ve received. And then remember: the same Spirit that forgave through Christ now lives in you.

Acting on the Word is a spiritual practice. When we choose to forgive, we’re acting on the Word.
We’re stepping into divine obedience. James 5:16 (KJV) – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”

This shows us two things:

1. Be honest—own your faults, and if needed, confront the offense.

2. Pray—don’t underestimate the power of praying for those who’ve hurt you.

Why? Because when you pray for someone who hurt you, the Holy Spirit works on your heart.
He begins to remove the sting, the weight, and the grip of that pain.

Do Good, Pray, and Forgive. Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.”

This is God’s supernatural response to offense:

• Love them.

• Bless them.

• Do good to them.

• Pray for them.

• And ultimately—forgive them.

When you do this, you’re no longer trapped in your emotions—you’re walking in divine power, and this power is already in you.

Romans 5:5 – “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

You’re not trying to find the ability to forgive. You already have it. You’re a love child of a loving Father.
Forgiveness is in your DNA—it’s part of the new creation life. No offense is deeper than God’s love working in you.

ACTION POINT: Walk in Forgiveness

Here’s how you walk in forgiveness:

• Pray for those who wrong you.

• Bless them.

• Do good to them.

• Act on the Word.

As you do, you’re not only freeing others—you’re exercising God’s ability in you. You are walking in the footsteps of Jesus Himself.

Prayer Declaration:

“Lord, thank You for forgiving me.
Your love lives in me, and by Your Spirit, I forgive those who have wronged me.
I release every hurt, every offense, and I choose to walk in love.
I pray for them, I bless them, and I do good to them.
Because I am Your child, and Your love is my nature.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Ibukun is a Christian, a Pastor, a Certified faith-based counselor, and a worship leader. He currently serves as a Young Adults & Youth church pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God and is domiciled in Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria. He is passionate about teaching the Word, thereby helping believers grow spiritually. He holds several meetings via his local church which are focused on sessions of teaching the word, flowing in the Holy Ghost, and healing meetings. You can listen to Pastor Ibukun's sermons here. Check out more of his posts here.

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