God’s Word is FULL of practical principles for living everyday life. In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, God illustrates how we are to receive and treat others with whom we come in contact. Paul instructs, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” How counter-culture are these instructions? Where being offensive, offended, and hostile are all the rage (no pun intended), God instructs us once again to go against the grain and do the unexpected: Make allowances for one another; In this text, “make allowances for one another” means being understanding and forgiving of each other’s faults, shortcomings, or mistakes. It suggests a willingness to be patient and considerate, recognizing that nobody is perfect and that people may occasionally err or fall short of expectations. It encourages giving forgiveness, grace, and mercy to one another. Forgive: In the context of the text, “forgive” means to pardon or let go