Perfect Unity

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Colossians 3:12-14

As I’m sure most people do, I sometimes have a hard time being patient when someone annoys me or forgiving when someone has hurt me. These verses from Colossians always make me want to grow in grace and love. As God’s people, we are recognized by our character, especially our love. Our character springs from our relationship with God, so let’s look this week at how God loves us and then at how we can express his love in our relationships with one another.

Monday: God loves us deeply and has chosen us and set us apart to live for and with him. Meditate on these truths until they sink deep into your heart.

Tuesday: Just as you select and wear certain clothes, choose to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience today and tomorrow.

Wednesday: Think about people who are hard for you to get along with. Pray for grace to bear with them patiently and respectfully.

Thursday: Ponder how freely and fully God has forgiven you. Pray for the willingness and ability to extend similar forgiveness to those who have wronged you.

Friday: To “put on” love is a choice we make, and it’s also something we’re told to do. Think about how you can put on love so that it shapes all your interactions today.

Saturday: Love binds us together so that we have unity in the body of Christ, and it also enables us to have unity or integrity in our character, as it provides context for all the other virtues we’re told to put on. Ask God to grow your love for him and for his people.