From time to time I like to go read and re-read passages of
scripture that I have read numerous times. Today I was looking in the letter of
Paul to the Colossians, and noticed the words of Colossians 3. The first 14 verses are divided into 3
paragraphs, and carry an abundance of information pertaining to our lives in
Jesus Christ.
"Since, then, you have been raised with
Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right
hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly
things. 3 For
you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your
life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." We have been raised with Jesus. It's time for us to start living and acting
like citizens of the Heavenly Kingdom.
That can happen when we set our minds on things above so when Jesus
comes, we will be seen with him in glory.
"12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." It is because we have been raised with Christ, and because we put to death our earthly nature, we can now as God's people, wrap ourselves with things like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We can extend understanding and forgiveness where previously we would have been judgmental and divisive. The key to all relationships is seen in the verse which says we are to forgive as the Lord forgave us.
The last verse there, verse 14 is the "icing on the cake." Paul has talked about lots of things we need to carefully consider. The life-changing event of becoming a believer and follower of Jesus brings about lots of changes in us. Now he says, " And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Did you catch that? It is our love for each other that binds us all together in unity. Yes, there is more. I will leave it to you to read the rest of the chapter, but here is a hint, the rest of the chapter leads us to experience peace in our lives and in our relationships. God is so good, and he leaves no stone unturned. Trust him.
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