Last week's message included Galatians 3:27-28. Colossians 3:11 is similar to it, "...There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all."

Paul follows this with:
"....therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved..." NKJV "Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved..." NIV

Paul goes on to tell us that in our new position in Christ we are to clothe our new man with Godly virtues, "...Put on tender mercies (compassion), kindness, humility, meekness (gentleness), longsuffering (patience); bearing with one another, and forgiving one another..." Colossians 3:12-13a

Verse 13b is very compelling for every one of God's chosen ones.
"...if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." NKJV "...if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]." The Amplified Bible

Scripture tells us the basis of forgiveness-- It is God's nature:
"For You, LORD, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." Psalm 86:5

It is by God's grace:
"In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His (God's) grace. Ephesians 1:7

It is in the blood of Christ :
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14

It is in the Son's power:
Here we see it when Jesus healed the paralytic.
"And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying 'Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?'" Vs. 21 "But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, 'Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Vs. 22 Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you' or to say 'Rise up and walk?' Vs. 23 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive  sins'--He said to the man who was paralyzed, 'I say to you, arise, take up your bed and go to your house.'" Vs. 24 (Read Luke 5:16-26)

It is faith in Christ:
"To Him all the prophets witnessed that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission (forgiveness) of sins." Acts 10:43

Concerning forgiving one another Scripture tells us the measure we are to
forgive--
As God forgave:
"And be kind to one another, tendered hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."

If God forgave all our sins even when were we enemies, how can we not forgive each other?! The only answer is that as God's children who are to manifest His virtues, we must forgive! Unforgiveness is not an option.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

Oh Most Holy Lord God, we worship You! Thank you for forgiving us our sins and reconciling us to Yourself. Open our hearts and minds to know the depth of sorry we cause when we allow unforgiveness to reign in our hearts. It is a deadly virus not only to those involved, but to the whole Body of Believers! Lord rule and overrule that forgiveness reigns. Thank you. Amen