We are all people. In fact, we are all fallen people who rely on Christ alone for everything good within us. Even more, without the general grace of God given all people (even the unsaved) we would all end up killing each other.

Understanding the basics of our human sin nature really helps lay the foundation as to how we are to live in harmony with one another. This may seem odd, but we see it in our relationship with God (and we are to reflect this).

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:12-14

As we work with one another in serving the Lord we must always be aware that none of us is perfect. We are all in need of grace and mercy. As David writes in the Psalm above, God has mercy on us because He knows we are dust. Since this is the case we all should try to understand the weakness of others (and ourselves) and seek to encourage one another and pray for one another.

But wait...there's more

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14

Incredible. God is not just calling us to tolerate one another because we understand each other's falleness, but He wants us to love each other!

Here is what we are commanded (not suggested) to put on:

1) Tender Mercies
2) Kindness
3) Humility
4) Meekness
5) Longsuffering (patience)
6) Bearing with one another (more patience)
7) Forgiveness
8) Love

I don't know about you but as I read that list I was convicted. How many times have I failed to show kindness or tender mercy towards someone who wronged me (or just annoyed me). I'm sure we all have been there. But, as you may have notices the list is very similar to the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) and therefore these things will be seen in our relationships as we allow the Spirit of God to work in our lives. This is the key to seeing these things in our relationships.

So, as us imperfect people set out to do the work of our perfect and holy God, let us do so with tender mercies. Let us carry each others burdens and encourage each other in the faith. Let us be patient with one another during times of confrontation and forgive each other when a wrong is done. Of course, we tie all these things together with the love that is given to us through Christ.

Finally, whenever you come into a situation where a brother or sister has offended you, caused you to become angry or even bitter remember this passage from Colossians. The God of the universe has forgiven your sins and saved you from the punishment of hell which you (and I) deserve. If He has done that, surely we can forgive others for much smaller things.

Let's make it a point to walk arm in arm together as we serve God and serve others. Then they will know us by our love, not just for them, but for each other.