"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another." - Colossians 3:13a
There's a story about a man named Rusty who had brutally killed several people and, as a result, sat on death row. While awaiting his fate, he became a Christian and immediately began to grow in Christ. He sent letters to the families of his victims, apologizing for his actions and asking for their forgiveness. About a year later, one of the families arranged to visit with him. You can imagine the tension and fear as Rusty faced the family of one of the victims. And you can imagine Rusty's surprise when the father said, "For years, I hated you. But when I came to understand that Christ has forgiven me of all my sins, I knew I had no choice but to forgive you. We're here today to let you know that we forgive you."**
Now, my friends, that is not natural. That is supernatural—the supernatural power of Jesus. It is a spirit that is distinct to Christianity—the willingness to forgive others that do not deserve our forgiveness at all. That's exactly what God does for us. He forgives us through the cross even though we are completely undeserving.
Believing this brings us peace with God. And this peace gives us a desire to be at peace with others—through forgiveness.
