Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Family -Celebration of relationships 

Building relational capability

Bible Reading:   Colossians 3:12-20

Key verse  14-17

Colossians 3: 14-17: “14And over all these virtues put on love, …….15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…… And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly……… …with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do……do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
 
DEVOTION

In our key verses, Paul invites us into a way of thinking that strengthens our relationships and reflects the character of Christ. He gives us five guiding principles: love, peace, thankfulness, God’s Word, and the name of Jesus.
First, we are called to “put on love.” God’s love is most clearly seen in our relationships with others. We cannot fully express compassion, forgiveness, grace, mercy, or kindness in isolation. Love grows as we serve, forgive, and care for those around us. It is the bond that holds Christian community together.
Next, Paul tells us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. This peace reflects the rich meaning of shalom; a sense of wholeness, well-being, and contentment. It is not merely a feeling for individuals but a calling for the whole church. Rather than being driven by selfish ambition or worldly desires, we are to rest in what God has graciously provided.
Paul then emphasizes thankfulness. A grateful heart nurtures peace because it remembers God’s blessings instead of focusing on what is lacking. We deserve none of the gifts God has given, yet through Christ we have received mercy and salvation. Thankful people radiate hope, and their attitude often creates opportunities to point others toward Christ.
Paul also urges us to let the Word of Christ dwell richly within us. Scripture is not merely a reference book but the daily nourishment of our souls.
Finally, whatever we do, we are to do in Jesus’ name. As His ambassadors, we carry His reputation. So, are we sullying His name by our words and actions? When love, peace, gratitude, and God’s Word fill our lives, we bring glory to the name of Christ.  

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your love, peace, and gratitude. Let your Word dwell richly within me and may all I do bring honor and glory to your name. Amen.
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I will not take up on my lips the name of the gods of this world that my enemies serve-Psalm 16:4

Bindhu George
Melbourne Mar Thoma Church 
Melbourne, Australia 

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more