Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
JESUS CHRIST -THE LORD AND GOD
Colossians 3:12-17
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Col 12
The Book of Colossians is one of the many books in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul. Many of these books, also called Epistles are letters addressed to a specific person or persons for a specific reason. This particular letter was written to a group of believers in the city of Colossae, a church that Paul did not find, but had a positive relationship with. Paul is teaching the Colossian church to live as their new selves. He reminds them that they are chosen by God, set apart as holy, and deeply loved by Him. This identity in Christ is the foundation upon which Paul encourages them to build their lives.
Paul uses the imagery of clothing to depict how believers should adorn themselves with virtues that reflect Christ's character. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are not just attributes to aspire to but are qualities that should be visibly displayed in our daily interactions. Just as we put on physical clothing each day, we are called to intentionally put on these virtues, allowing them to shape our attitudes and
actions These qualities form the bedrock of our interactions with others, fostering understanding and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Imagine a world where these qualities are commonplace – a workplace infused with kindness, a neighborhood radiating compassion, a family woven together with patience. This is the transformative power of putting on these Christ-like garments.
Furthermore, Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, a cornerstone of
Christian living .Paul urges us, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a complaint" (v. 13). He emphasizes the model of Christ's forgiveness, urging us to extend the same grace we've received. This is not always easy. Holding onto grudges and resentment can be tempting. But forgiveness is a powerful tool that liberates us from the burden of negativity and paves the way for reconciliation and healing. It allows us to truly embody the love Christ calls us to demonstrate.
Love then takes center stage, the radiant centerpiece of our Christian attire. "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly" (v. 14). Love is the ultimate garment, the unifying force that binds all the other qualities together. It's the driving force behind our actions, the guiding light in our decision-making, and the foundation of a Christ-like life.
Paul encourages us to cultivate inner peace and gratitude. He instructs us to let "the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" and to be "thankful" (v. 15). Moreover, Paul emphasizes the centrality of Christ in all aspects of life. The message of Christ should dwell richly within us, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.
In conclusion, Colossians 3:12-17 serves as a profound reminder of our identity in Christ. As we clothe ourselves with these qualities, we become living testaments to God's grace. Our devotion is most evident not in words, but in the way we treat others. May we continually seek to clothe ourselves with Christ's love, drawing others closer to Him and transforming the world around us
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Col 12
The Book of Colossians is one of the many books in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul. Many of these books, also called Epistles are letters addressed to a specific person or persons for a specific reason. This particular letter was written to a group of believers in the city of Colossae, a church that Paul did not find, but had a positive relationship with. Paul is teaching the Colossian church to live as their new selves. He reminds them that they are chosen by God, set apart as holy, and deeply loved by Him. This identity in Christ is the foundation upon which Paul encourages them to build their lives.
Paul uses the imagery of clothing to depict how believers should adorn themselves with virtues that reflect Christ's character. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are not just attributes to aspire to but are qualities that should be visibly displayed in our daily interactions. Just as we put on physical clothing each day, we are called to intentionally put on these virtues, allowing them to shape our attitudes and
actions These qualities form the bedrock of our interactions with others, fostering understanding and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Imagine a world where these qualities are commonplace – a workplace infused with kindness, a neighborhood radiating compassion, a family woven together with patience. This is the transformative power of putting on these Christ-like garments.
Furthermore, Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, a cornerstone of
Christian living .Paul urges us, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a complaint" (v. 13). He emphasizes the model of Christ's forgiveness, urging us to extend the same grace we've received. This is not always easy. Holding onto grudges and resentment can be tempting. But forgiveness is a powerful tool that liberates us from the burden of negativity and paves the way for reconciliation and healing. It allows us to truly embody the love Christ calls us to demonstrate.
Love then takes center stage, the radiant centerpiece of our Christian attire. "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly" (v. 14). Love is the ultimate garment, the unifying force that binds all the other qualities together. It's the driving force behind our actions, the guiding light in our decision-making, and the foundation of a Christ-like life.
Paul encourages us to cultivate inner peace and gratitude. He instructs us to let "the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" and to be "thankful" (v. 15). Moreover, Paul emphasizes the centrality of Christ in all aspects of life. The message of Christ should dwell richly within us, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.
In conclusion, Colossians 3:12-17 serves as a profound reminder of our identity in Christ. As we clothe ourselves with these qualities, we become living testaments to God's grace. Our devotion is most evident not in words, but in the way we treat others. May we continually seek to clothe ourselves with Christ's love, drawing others closer to Him and transforming the world around us
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the graciousness you have shown to us. You chose us to be a part of your people. Please work in our hearts and help us to live the life you have called us to be. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion; it is like a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. – Billy Graham
Lord, we thank you for the graciousness you have shown to us. You chose us to be a part of your people. Please work in our hearts and help us to live the life you have called us to be. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion; it is like a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. – Billy Graham
Eapen Ninan
South Florida Mar Thoma Church
South Florida Mar Thoma Church