This is week 8 of our study of Colossians “Look Up! Living Below For Who Is Above!”
Introduction
Last week, we spent our time on Paul’s admonition for us to set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth. This week, we will look at some ways to be calm, cool, and collected.
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.”
Verse 12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
This means that God has chosen us to be something special in His plan. The word “chosen” or “elect” is a word that frightens some, but it should be taken as a comfort and as a destiny to fulfill.
Each one of the qualities mentioned express themselves in relationships. A significant measure of our Christian life is found simply in how we treat people.
Verse 13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
We are told here to live forgiving one another after the pattern of Jesus’ forgiveness towards us.
Forgiveness is a promise, made in a response to repentance, to completely reconcile and put the offense out of one’s mind. When a person says, “I will forgive, but I will not forget,” they do not understand what forgiveness is.
If an offending party is unrepentant, it does no good for the offended one to hold on to their hurt and bitterness. Even if true forgiveness and reconciliation cannot be made because there is no recognition of wrong, the offended party still can and must give it to the Lord and make the promise of forgiveness unto the Lord. We can do this after the pattern of Jesus in Luke 23:34. “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
If we do this, it will be evident by a lack of bitterness and resentment towards the offending party, and a willingness to restore the relationship at the slightest evidence of repentance.
Verse 14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Love is the summary of all the things described in this passage. Love perfectly fulfills what God requires of us in relationships.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Verse 15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
The rule of the peace of God means that peace should characterize the community of God’s people and that peace is a standard for discerning God’s will.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Verse 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.”
As believers, we are to walk in the Word and to worship with other believers.
Verse 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.”
Concluding Remarks and Application
The Bible presents general principles that help us along with the Holy Spirit determine the rightness or wrongness of activities and behaviors not specifically mentioned in it. Here are some questions that we should ask ourselves when faced with determining what is right and what is wrong in everything we think, say, do, or enjoy.
Can it be done for God’s glory?
Can it be done in the name of the Lord?
Can it be done while truly giving thanks to God?
Is it a Christlike action? Would Jesus do it?
Could it cause another believer to compromise his or her conscience and convictions?
Will it strengthen or weaken our desire for spiritual things?
Could it weaken or hinder our influence for Christ on others, who do not know Him or those who look to us as an example of Christlike behavior?
Forgiveness is a tough subject. We should make it our business to forgive and forget what others have done to hurt us or our family today.
Note: Some of this message was taken from Week Seven of the Easthaven Small Group study book, Look Up Living Below For Who Is Above.
