Colossians 3:13

Colossians 3:13, in plain English

Live with the same forgiveness and patience toward each other that Christ showed you—bear with one another's faults and let go of whatever grievances you're holding.

Why it's here

The word translated 'bear with' means to tolerate, to put up with, to have patience even when someone frustrates you. Paul isn't describing a soft emotion; he's describing a choice. Then he raises the standard: forgive as Christ forgave you. That forgiveness wasn't earned; it wasn't based on whether you deserved it. It came while you were still separated from God. Now you're to extend that same kind of grace to people who have actually wronged you.

Who's speaking

Paul

Where it sits in the story

This is what Jesus taught in Matthew 18:21-35, in the parable of the unmerciful servant—the whole point being that you've been forgiven so much that your refusal to forgive others makes no sense. Paul references this theme throughout Ephesians as well.

The scholarly reading

Tolerate one another's inevitable failures and extend mutual forgiveness, modeling your forgiveness on Christ's exemplary forgiveness of you—which is both the precedent and the measure of your own forgiving.

Language and setting

Paul's construction (ἀνέχομαι...χαρίζομαι, anechomai...charizomai—bear with...forgive) distinguishes tolerance of personality differences from active remission of grievances. The motivational clause (καθὼς...ὁ κύριος, kathos...ho kyrios—just as the Lord) grounds Christian forgiveness in Christ's prior, unilateral, comprehensive forgiveness. This addressed real congregational conflicts, potentially exacerbated by the false teachers' divisive claims.

Voice

Paul, employing Christologically-grounded moral motivation.

Significance

This directly parallels Jesus's teaching in Matthew 18:21-35 (parable of the unforgiving servant) and Matthew 6:12 (Lord's Prayer petition for forgiveness as we forgive). It establishes Christian forgiveness as neither sentimental nor permissive but as participation in Christ's reconciling work.

11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

Read all of Colossians 3 — You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Strip off the old self like worn-out clothing and put on compassion, kindness, and love.