Forgiving Those Who Wound UsSample

The Christian “Uniform”

We see people wearing uniforms in all types of industries. Mechanics, cooks, waiters, hospital staff, police officers, and firefighters all wear uniforms. In fact, whole corporations exist to supply and clean uniforms. Is there such a thing as a “Christian uniform”? Well, not in clothing per se, but certainly in our care for one another! This passage encourages us to “clothe” ourselves, which implies intentionality and purpose. We are to dress like one another in specific ways. We are to clothe ourselves in mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Why? Because underneath those uniforms are individuals who have faults. Those faults come in all forms. So, God equips us with a list of attributes that should mark the Christian, and then he gives us an important behavioral tool to handle the faults—forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the daily behavior of mature believers. God has chosen us to be a holy people. To be holy means to be “set apart,” or “dedicated,” for a particular purpose—to be like Christ. In this passage, we are set apart to display the love of God to one another. However, God knows that we all have faults. God is sovereign over those faults, and he expects us to accept one another’s imperfections! God’s plan is to sanctify (to make holy, to dedicate) believers through their interaction with each other. When we forgive, we conform to the image of God’s son, Jesus Christ. Our faults, and the faults of others, become opportunities to exercise the virtue of forgiveness.

Are you willing to confess your faults (see James 5:16)? Are you willing to wear the clothing of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Are you willing to be like Christ and extend forgiveness to those who have offended you?

Forgiveness ought to mark the fellowship of believers. We certainly benefit personally by living in a pattern of forgiveness. But a greater good is also accomplished as we forgive one another: God is glorified, and Christ is exalted and made known to a watching world. We look like Christ!