Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17 / SOAP: verses 12-14
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy,kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. 14 And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.
Colossians 3:12-14
Putting Off and Putting On
Paul has just been telling the believers of Colossae how they have been made new – through their faith in Jesus Christ – explaining how their life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-11). Now he points them to the way of peace and unity with others by instructing them how to live as chosen children of God. Having just informed that they are to put off anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and filthy language – He now tells them what to put on in order that the peace of Christ might control their hearts. He says to put on … actually to clothe ourselves with these virtues:
- a heart of mercy
- kindness
- humitlity
- gentleness
- and patience
- making allowances for other’s faults
- forgiving anyone who offends you
- remembering that God forgave you
- on top of all of these – LOVE
The Call of Christ
Living this way is the call of Christ on our life, it pleases God, and it will lead to peace and unity as we are united together as one. When this happens, not only will we know the joy of life in Christ (John 15:1-13) but we will be the salt and light that makes God known to the world (Matthew 5:1-16).
Response to God’s Word
Father, we aren’t meant to live alone – certainly we have been created for “community” – living, working, interacting with others. But admittedly, Father, this isn’t always easy in our own strength. So, please help us to put off the old and put on the new – showing mercy, loving and forgiving others even as You have forgiven us – being kind to each other – humble in attitude and actions – patiently bearing with one another and gentle in our responses, so that You might be glorified and we might live in peace. In Jesus’ Name and for the fullness of His Joy – to Your glory – Amen+
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