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BIBLICAL FOCUS:

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.”  — Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

Who is the hardest person for you to be patient with right now, and what does that reveal in you?

Compassion isn’t a personality trait. In Scripture, compassion is a spiritual fruit, it becomes evidence that God is shaping your heart. And Colossians 3 makes it clear: compassion is not optional for believers. It’s part of what it means to live “new.”

The verse doesn’t say, “Be compassionate only when people deserve it.” It says, “Make allowance for each other’s faults.” That means you choose to give room. You choose to remember that people are human, growing, messy, and imperfect, just like you.

Then it gets even more direct: “forgive anyone who offends you.” Not because the offense was small. Not because it didn’t hurt. But because unforgiveness always costs you more than it costs them.

Compassion is often the first thing that gets squeezed out when you’ve been hurt, disappointed, or misunderstood. That’s why some people protect themselves with coldness. They call it “boundaries,” but deep down it’s bitterness wearing a mask. Others protect themselves with distance, sarcasm, or silence. But the Lord is calling you to something new, a Christlike compassion that refuses to become hardened.

Because the command doesn’t stop with “forgive.” It gives the reason in reminding us, “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13)

That’s our new foundation. We forgive from forgiveness. We show compassion because we have received compassion.

New compassion is not weakness, it’s strength under control. It’s the strength to remain commpassionate like Jesus when your flesh wants to be the opposite.

Steps of Action: Read, Write, and Pray

1) READ:

  • Colossians 3:12–15
  • Optional: Matthew 18:21–35 (forgiveness and the heart)

2) WRITE:

Answer honestly:

  • Where have I been harsh, impatient, or easily offended lately?
  • Who do I need to “make allowance” for?
  • What offense do I need to release to God?

Write one sentence beginning with: “Lord, give me compassion toward…”

3) PRAY:

“Lord, thank You for forgiving me. Soften my heart and make me compassionate. Help me make allowance for others’ faults, forgive quickly, and love like You. Heal what has made me guarded, and teach me to stay tender without losing wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.”