Saturday, May 16, 2009

Colossians 3:12-17 "Clothe Yourselves, Part 2"

Read Colossians 3:12-17.

"... clothe yourselves...." NIV
Paul continues to teach us how to live as a member of the body of Christ and in His likeness. God has really been working on me in the area of forgiveness over the last couple of years. We all have people that hurt us at many different levels. Some things we can just brush off; others cause deep wounds that leave ugly scars. The main point to remember is that I'm not perfect; God forgave me; so I should forgive others. Easy words to say, but can be very difficult to live out.

The Word says that all of these virtues should be bound together with love. Love is not an affection, but a choice. This is an agape love -- the same sacrificial love that God has for me. I must live out my life in His love.

Then out of that love wrapped around all those virtues, we can live in the peace of Christ Jesus. Paul is beginning to sound a little like he's calling us to a 60's love fest, but he's right. We can have a peace that passes all understanding. We can forgive as we have been forgiven. We can love with the love that comes from the Father. These are all promises that we can stand on. And in a world of chaos, confusion, and fear why would I want to live any other way? I am thankful that He makes all of these things possible.

So I will hang close to the body -- helping others to grow in the Word and in wisdom, and they will help me. Worshipping together. Living and loving together. All for His honor and glory.

Further Thoughts:
  1. Is there someone you need to forgive that you haven't yet? Now is the time. Hurt may remain, relationships may change, but forgiveness is a choice that is possible. Do it in love.
  2. Peace is a relative term. Are you living in a state of peace that you have defined or are you taking into account other's perspective of peace and accommodating them? Love would look out for the others over self.
  3. Twice in this passage it speaks of "giving thanks." When was the last time you gave thanks to the Father for something other than the meal you were about to eat? Take some time each day to express your thanks to the Father. We have so much to be thankful for.

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