Colossians 3:13-14
In Colossians 3:13 Paul continued exhorting God’s elect to clothe themselves for Christian living. Put on endurance or self-restraint– “bearing graciously with one another;” this is how God has dealt with us. Because of His great love for us, He sent His Son Jesus to die for us while we were yet sinners. As God’s chosen people, we are commanded to willingly forgive each other if we have a complaint against another. We were once wrapped up, tied up, and tangled up in all manner of fleshly behaviors, fulfilling the lusts of our flesh. “Just as the Lord has forgiven us, so should we forgive.” The Father forgives us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
We have put off the old man; no longer can we live according to our former corrupt nature. We have put on the new man, “created to be like God in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph.4:24, NIV). As God’s chosen, we are commanded to put on Christian characteristics to reflect our new self in Christ Jesus. They are tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another. Paul stated lastly that above all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfection (v.14). Jesus told His disciples to love one another as He have loved them so all will know they are His disciples (John 13:34-35, paraphrased). It is love that completely unites the virtues of Christianity so that we might manifest Christ Jesus in our lives. Give God glory!