September 17, 2022 - Colossians 3-4

Paul continues to emphasize the Christian life, that we set our “minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (3:3). And what motivation we have to do so: “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory!” (3:4). Until that day, we are to “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. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (3:12-15).

Paul writes specifically about husband-wife relationships, parent-child relationships, master-servant relationships, and relationships in the church. All are to be characterized by compassion, patience, forgiveness, and love.

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,

Live in me from day to day,

By his love and pow’r controlling

All I do and say.

May the love of Jesus fill me

As the waters fill the sea.

Him exalting, self abasing:

This is victory. --Kate B. Wilkinson (1925)