Friday, December 5, 2025
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15
Above All
As we read about earlier this week, Paul was talking to the Colossians, reminding them of all the ways they were different now that they belonged to God – and to remind them to be thankful for who they were now in Christ. He reminded them of their new life in Christ, and how they put to death earthly practices and put off their “old person” to put on the “new person” they are in Christ.
As Christians Paul said there were things we needed to put on after we put to death what belongs to our fleshly nature. We take off those things that are not part of a Christian life, and replace them with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Paul continues saying, Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
One of the distinguishing traits of a disciple of Christ is how we love others. Jesus told his disciples in John 13:34-35, during the last supper with them: “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” We have been shown the greatest love of all time by Jesus, who gave his life for us to pay for our sin and give us forgiveness and eternal life. We know love because of his love for us and that love, given to others, not only tells the world we are his disciples, but tells the world the gospel story. Love is above all, covers all and conquers all. Love is the outer garment that holds us all together - the perfect bond of unity.
