Our scripture this morning is Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT).
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Paul often wrote to churches experiencing conflict, communities in disagreement regarding the practice of faith or worldly events. He reminds them that as God’s people we have been called to love one another first and foremost, even when we disagree. Jesus didn’t give us any “unless” or “however” escape clauses in His commandment.
We have read various lists from Paul regarding the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the gifts of the spirit (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12). This list of virtues is slightly different, but continues the lesson regarding how we are to treat each other, especially when we don’t agree.
Losing our patience or temper means ignoring the Spirit with which we have been blessed, at least temporarily. I won’t tell you it hasn’t happened to me, too many have seen me at my worst base humanness. Afterward, I’m always sorry and then angry at myself for the outburst. God wants us to know there is forgiveness from Him when we repent, but also the need to forgive those involved, including ourselves.
Loving Lord, You have shown us the only way to salvation, through Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to live out the faith we profess in our hearts through loving words and actions. Amen.
