vv 13-14 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
It is tragic to see a divided family – one torn apart because something has happened that seems to render forgiveness impossible. Paul’s instruction here is utterly realistic because we are only too well aware that offences do occur from time to time. It may be through an off-the-cuff remark that was badly timed, or an inappropriate comment about something personal, or even some ill-considered action that has hurt someone’s feelings. The sad fact is that even the most tactful and gracious of us trip over sometimes and unwittingly give offence.
While this is awful in family life, it is tragic in the life of a community of Christians. So Paul urges people to forgive one another – one practical example is in Philippians 4:2 ‘Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. ‘ We have an obligation to forgive because Christ has already forgiven us! Only then can love be exercised, and it is love that holds the very different parts of the Church together.
Lord, I want to be covered with this new set of beautiful clothing. Empower me by your Holy Spirit to put on the clothing of forgiveness and love that unites me with others today. AMEN
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