Friday, October 27, 2023
And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:13-14
A Gospel Attitude
In Colossians chapter 3 Paul has been telling the Colossians how to live a life that reflects Jesus. In the passage above, Paul tells us to Let the peace of Christ rule our hearts and to be thankful. He goes on to say Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you… Those are some very powerful words. In this instance, Paul was saying when we let the peace of Christ rule our hearts, we act out of that peace that comes from God and what He has done for us. We are one body in Him, and with the peace of Christ ruling our hearts, we will act out of love for each other rather than treating each other in ways that will cause division and strife.
When we let His word dwell richly among us, we treat each other in love. It takes intention on our part. It takes commitment to read, study, and pray so that we grow in His wisdom and knowledge. Letting His word dwell richly among us happens when we allow Him to completely fill our hearts and minds. We are thankful because we know that everything we have and are so because He allows it. We show gratitude because He gave us new life in Him and eternal life in heaven.
As Christians we should bring that peace with us everywhere we go. This kind of peace and joy is contagious. When we live out of the overflow of Jesus in our hearts, those around us will be impacted. We can encourage each other and lift each other up. We can share the wisdom we are given from God and help each other learn. We can spread the attitude of worship and gratitude.
When we immerse ourselves in the word of God it will dwell richly in us and pour out to those around us. We will not be divisive is we are filled with the Holy Spirit and the word of God. We will be teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We will be singing to God with gratitude in our hearts because we won’t be able to keep it in. As a result, everything we do, in word or in deed, will be in the name of the Lord Jesus. When we fill our hearts and minds with the things of the Lord, everything we do and say will be filtered through the word of the Lord. The joy and peace we will feel will spill out in love for those around us and in songs and praises to Him.
