Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV) Says, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
In the above passage of scripture we are instructed to put on Christian virtues, meaning to take on or assume these qualities. We are told to forbear and forgive one another because we are all a constant work in progress, and none of us are perfect. Knowing this, it is important for us to recognize that we too on occasion will need forgiveness from others. With that said who are we not to be forgiving? More importantly, when it comes to forgiving one another we must remember that if Almighty God can forgive us for a multitude of sins, then who are we not to forgive one another? None of us have arrived when it comes to perfecting these virtues, and we will never perfect them because we are human beings, and as such we will remain a constant work in progress.
We are told to put on charity, and charity is love. Love is the crowning grace that completes the above list of virtues required for spiritual maturity. As a bond it binds all other virtues together in harmony and unity. We are instructed to let the peace of God rule in our hearts meaning that when we are at odds with one another, we should take a course of action that maintains peace and harmony whenever possible. The peace of God is the harmony and concord created by God among his people. When we as believers are forbearing, forgiving, and loving toward one another, peace reigns among God's people. The church is then fertile soil for the blessings produced by the Word of God.
If we are not merciful toward others why would we expect them to show us mercy? How much peace can we have in our life, if we know in our hearts we should have shown mercy to another and we failed to do so? We are further instructed to read and study God's Word so that it dwells in us. This benefits us in all areas of our lives. We are to let His Word dwell in us in all wisdom; to teach, warn, and advise one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. When we notice a fellow believer backsliding in some manner or heading in a wrong direction, we need to reach out to them in love and with kindness, and let them know we care. We need to let them know we are there for them. We are also instructed to be humble. How can we have peace in our lives if we lack humility? I imagine one has to stay on alert at all times in order to maintain the attitude and level of pride they deem necessary in order to impress others. I can't see there being any peace in that. If you feel you're lacking in humility, I urge you to remember that Jesus Himself was born in a manger, and that He washed the disciples feet as an example for us all.
Finally we are instructed that all we do, whatever it is, in word or deed, we should do unto the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. When we do all we do to the glory of God there is no reason to grumble and complain. For example, if your boss is not kind to you, and you feel as though you are not treated fairly at work, instead of grumbling and complaining look at the situation differently. First pray about your situation, and then as you work do the best job you can reminding yourself that all you do is to the glory of God, and not man. Be patient remembering that God is always with you, and that He is all knowing. We are to give thanks to God for all things, and this should come naturally. We should have the desire in our hearts to thank God for all we are blessed with. He is deserving of more praise, worship, and thanks than we could ever possibly give Him.
If you desire God's divine peace in your life, along with the joy and contentment He wants you to have, then put on the Christian virtues He instructs us to wear. God's Word is truth, and I do not doubt, having total faith in Him, that if we do our part in following his instructions, His divine peace which is beyond description and surpasses all understanding will reign in our hearts filling our lives with joy.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
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