WEDNESDAY January 8, 2025
Love––the Height of Perfection
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Colossians 3:14
Paul began to conclude his list of things for the Colossians to put on––humility, meekness, and longsuffering as a part of their new wardrobe––their new man in Christ. He also mentioned that they were to bear with one another. In the church of Colossae, they had to bear with false teachers teaching false doctrine. If these men embraced the truth found in the Gospels and repented, then they should be received. The Colossians were to forgive these men and embrace them.
Above all the characteristics thus mentioned to put on, the Colossians needed to put on the most important garment––love. Without the activity of God’s love in our lives, everything else we do will mean nothing––it will all be in vain; it will have no value. The Christian life is centered in Christ’s love; our conduct emulates His love. God’s agape love is unconditional. It is always giving and forgiving. It never retaliates.
During the year, there are many family get-togethers and holiday celebrations, Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are also weddings and funerals––occasions where you will usually see family members that you have not seen for years! If there were arguments and animosity in the past, you may be anxious to see them, because there is no telling how they will be.
Listen, I have found that it is not necessary to bring up the past. It is best to look to the future. Be loving, kind and forgiving toward them. Always promote peace. If they choose to be unkind and unforgiving, that is between them and the Lord; but you make sure that your heart is right before Him, so He can bless you and continue to use your life.
If we have got the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do.
~Dwight L. Moody~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
