Mature Obedience
Slow to Anger – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-15

Key Verse: James 1:19

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

A second phrase in regard to becoming good at making allowances for the faults of people around us is found in verse 13: “and forgive anyone who offends you” (Colossians 3:13b).  Forgiveness is so important to God that He demands it of us, if we want it from Him: “But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15).  This verse gives us a second qualification to have our sins forgiven; the first is to simply ask God to forgive us (1 John 1:9).  I must ask God to forgive me and I must always be willing to forgive others!

True forgiveness means I determine to let a person who has offended me in some way, off the hook.  Forgiveness is a decision not to hold someone accountable for their offense to us; letting go of their sin and my anger about it.  To live in God’s love and fellowship, I must release people who have hurt me just like God releases me when I grieve His heart by my sins.  When God releases me from my sins, His wrath has been released from me—all because of Jesus.  When we forgive people, we release our wrath; anger toward them must go!

Are you practicing the godly art of forgiveness?  You will have many opportunities each day.  The people around you will, undoubtedly, offend you—often!  Practice releasing them and allowing your anger to dissipate!

Father, remind me to turn to your strength and grace when I’m hurt by others.  May I release them and forgive.  In Jesus’ name, amen.