Tuesday, May 09, 2023

¹² As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. ¹³ Put up with each other and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly. ¹⁵ Also, let Christ’s peace control you. God has called you into this peace by bringing you into one body. Be thankful. ¹⁶ Let Christ’s word with all its wisdom and richness live in you. Use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach and instruct yourselves about God’s kindness. Sing to God in your hearts. ¹⁷ Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12 – 17

“Above all, be loving, because this ties everything together perfectly.”  I note in this verse how “love” (v. 14) is tied directly to “holiness” (v. 12).  Mr. Wesley said: Holiness is loving God … and loving others.  How can I claim to be holy if I do not love others?  How can I claim to be growing in grace from one degree of glory to another if I do not see a progression in love?  I wonder sometimes if the only person I truly love is … ME.  Sure, I’m nice, for that is what is expected of a pastor, but love is something different.  Love demands kindness, gentleness, and patience.  Love demands inward as well as outward “niceties.”  Perhaps the reason my life is so broad instead of deep is I don’t love enough.  O God, give me Your heart for my family, my friends, my neighbors, my foes!  Amen!