Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

Forbearing {G430} one another {G240}, and {G2532} forgiving {G5483} one another {G1438}, if {G1437} any man {G5100} have {G2192} a quarrel {G3437} against {G4314} any {G5100}: even as {G2531}{G2532} Christ {G5547} forgave {G5483} you {G5213}, so {G3779} also {G2532} do ye {G5210}.

Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.

Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye:

Commentary

Commentary on Colossians 3:13 KJV

Colossians 3:13 is a pivotal verse in Paul's instructions for Christian living, following his exhortation to believers to "put on the new man" (Colossians 3:10). This verse specifically addresses how believers should interact with one another in the community, emphasizing virtues critical for maintaining peace and unity.

Context

In Colossians chapter 3, Paul transitions from theological doctrine to practical application. He begins by urging believers to set their "affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2), recognizing their new identity in Christ. He then lists the "old man" vices to be put off (such as anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy – Colossians 3:8) and the "new man" virtues to be put on, including compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering (Colossians 3:12). Verse 13 builds directly on this foundation, providing the specific actions of forbearance and forgiveness as expressions of these virtues.

Key Themes

  • Mutual Forbearance: The command to "forbear one another" speaks to the necessity of patiently enduring and tolerating the imperfections, annoyances, and shortcomings of fellow believers. It acknowledges that living in community means encountering differences and occasional frustrations, requiring a spirit of patience and longsuffering needed to bear with one another.
  • Active Forgiveness: "Forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any" goes beyond passive tolerance. It's an active decision to release resentment, pardon offenses, and restore relationships when conflicts or grievances arise. This is crucial for conflict resolution and spiritual well-being within the church.
  • Christ as the Standard: The phrase "even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye" provides the ultimate motivation and example. Our capacity and willingness to forgive others are to be patterned after the boundless and unconditional forgiveness we have received from Christ. This divine standard elevates Christian forgiveness from a mere human effort to a spiritual imperative, mirroring the exhortation in Ephesians 4:32.
  • Christian Unity and Peace: These actions are foundational for maintaining harmony and unity within the body of Christ. Without forbearance and forgiveness, grievances fester, leading to division and hindering the church's witness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "forbearing" is anechomai (ἀνέχομαι), meaning to hold up, endure, or put up with. It suggests a patient endurance of difficulties or annoyances from others.
  • "Forgiving" comes from the Greek charizomai (χαρίζομαι), which means to grant freely, to show favor, or to pardon. This word is related to charis (grace), emphasizing that forgiveness is a gracious act, freely given, just as God's grace is freely given to us. It's not earned but bestowed.
  • "Quarrel" translates the Greek momphē (μομφή), referring to a complaint, accusation, or ground for blame. It acknowledges that legitimate grievances can arise, but the Christian response must be forgiveness.

Practical Application

Colossians 3:13 offers profound guidance for daily life and relationships:

  • Personal Reflection: It challenges believers to honestly assess their own capacity for patience and forgiveness. Do we quickly take offense, or are we willing to endure minor annoyances? Do we hold grudges, or do we actively seek to pardon?
  • Relational Health: This verse is vital for healthy families, friendships, and church communities. It provides the framework for navigating disagreements, resolving conflicts, and preserving precious relationships.
  • Christ-like Transformation: By modeling Christ's forgiveness (which was extended to us while we were still sinners – See Romans 5:8), believers demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives. It's a tangible expression of putting on the new man.
  • Spiritual Maturity: The ability to genuinely forbear and forgive, especially when wronged, is a hallmark of spiritual maturity and a testament to the Holy Spirit's work within a believer.

In essence, Colossians 3:13 calls believers to live out the radical love and grace they have received from Christ, extending it to one another as a testimony to the world.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 4:32 (57 votes)

    And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

  • Mark 11:25 (46 votes)

    And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

  • James 2:13 (39 votes)

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  • Ephesians 4:2 (35 votes)

    ¶ With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

  • Matthew 6:14 (29 votes)

    For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

  • Matthew 6:15 (29 votes)

    But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • Luke 6:35 (25 votes)

    But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.