Live in Harmony
Colossians 3:12-14
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
How do you demonstrate the love of Christ with those around you?
The apostle Paul exhorts Christian believers to the holy lifestyle consistent with our new identity in Christ. When we become believers in Jesus Christ, we are a new creation, and our old way of living changes (2 Corinthians 5:17). These virtues he describes are the practical teachings that imply the transformation from the old life before salvation to the new. Paul’s instructions were to promote a healthy community of Christ followers. And as such, we are to put on the qualities that demonstrate our love for one another. He emphasizes the importance of forgiving one another. Paul encourages believers to guide their daily interactions with love as a blessing to others and pleasing to Christ.
This kind of Christ-honoring fellowship is attainable when we bear with one another in a spirit of love. “Bearing” implies a willingness to embrace our differences and put our frustrations aside. As we endure, we become mindful that others may be struggling with their own burdens and wrestling with their own sin. Therefore, we are to walk with a spirit of humility and treat others with patience and compassion. Jesus is our standard of forbearance and forgiveness. He spoke the truth and embodied love. Paul reminds us that it is essential we do the same with one another. We are to clothe ourselves every day with these godly virtues so that the world will know us by our love. These virtues are an outpouring of the love of Christ within us (John 13:35). Everyone can benefit from a smile, a helping hand, or an encouraging word.
Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from or extend forgiveness to?
Have you asked the Lord to show you any areas that require godly change?
Thank you, Jesus, that because of you, I am a new creation. Thank you that I can clothe myself every day with righteousness because of the sanctification process of the Holy Spirit. Help me to be mindful and conscious of the way I respond to others in my daily interactions. When I am not responding or reacting in a way that honors you, please convict my heart. Help me to live in harmony with others and point them to you in love. Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Amen.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 6:6; Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 4:32; 1Peter 3:8-11
