We are told in Colossians 3:11-17 that we shouldn’t focus on differences but recognize that we are one in Christ. We are encouraged to ‘clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience….’ And to make allowance for each other.
It is better when we live like the only thing that matters is Jesus. Imagine how the world might be if we ran all responses through that filter. In the early church, there was no hierarchy of leaders but rather each one helping each other.
To understand this attitude, we each need an encounter with Jesus, the beginning and end.
Are you bringing your best to each of your circumstances – at home, work, church, and out in public? Are you bringing your best attitude, contagious joy, kindness, and gratitude? We are better with unity together in one body.
I wish we could have been at church to share communion. I'm looking forward to next month.
I found this song this morning and it spoke to me.
Verses for Today:Colossians 3:11-17 (NIV)
11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Lord, I am praying for calmness, compassion and kindness; open ears to open dialogues of solutions and ideas beyond accusations and demands.