Colossians 3:13

My Notes

What Does Colossians 3:13 Mean?

Paul instructs the Colossians in the practice of communal forgiveness. Forbearing — bearing with each other, tolerating imperfections — and forgiving — releasing the debt of specific offenses. Both are required for community to survive.

The standard is Christ: "even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." The measure of your forgiveness is the measure Christ used on you — which was total, unearned, and initiative-taking.

"If any man have a quarrel against any" acknowledges that grievances will exist. Paul is not idealistic about community. People will offend each other. The question is what you do with the offense.

The word "quarrel" (momphe) means complaint, grievance, blame. You have a legitimate case against someone. And Paul says: forgive it. The way Christ forgave you. Which means: before you deserved it, before you asked for it, at his own cost.

Reflection Questions

• 1.What is the difference between forbearing and forgiving — and which is harder for you?
• 2.Who do you have a legitimate 'quarrel' against that you need to release?
• 3.How does 'even as Christ forgave you' raise the standard beyond what feels natural?
• 4.What grudge are you carrying that is chaining you more than the person who offended you?

Devotional

Forbearing one another. Bearing with the annoying, the frustrating, the imperfect people around you — which is all of them. Including you.

Forgiving one another. Releasing the debt when someone actually wrongs you — not just tolerating their quirks, but letting go of legitimate grievances.

Even as Christ forgave you. That is the standard, and it is devastating. Christ forgave you when you were his enemy. Before you asked. At the cost of his life. That is the measure Paul holds up and says: do that.

You will have quarrels. Paul assumes it. Living in community means being hurt, disappointed, and offended. The question is not whether you will be wronged but whether you will hold it or release it.

Holding a grudge feels like power. But it chains you to the offense. Forgiving as Christ forgave feels like loss. But it is actually freedom — the freedom to move forward without dragging the weight of someone else's sin behind you.

Who do you need to forbear? Who do you need to forgive? And what would it cost you to do it the way Christ did?

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture