12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 3:12-14
In Colossians chapter 3, we find a scene set in a small house church in the ancient city of Colossae. The room is dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a warm glow on the faces of the gathered believers. The air is filled with the scent of incense burning in the corner, creating a sense of reverence and peace. The walls are adorned with simple tapestries depicting scenes from the life of Jesus.
Among those present are Phoebe, a kind-hearted widow known for her generosity, and Timothy, a young disciple eager to learn from the apostle Paul. They are joined by Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple who have opened their home to the believers for this gathering. The group is diverse, consisting of both Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, all coming together as one body in Christ.
As they sit in a circle on cushions spread across the floor, the apostle Paul begins to speak, his voice gentle yet filled with authority. He exhorts them to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, reminding them of the love that binds them together as a community of believers. In this intimate setting, surrounded by their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, they are encouraged to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord has forgiven them, embodying the perfect love that comes from above.
What is Colossians 3:12-14 about?
This verse from Paul’s letter is a powerful reminder for believers to embody essential values in their interactions with others. When Paul talks about clothing oneself with love, unity, and forgiveness, he is calling for a conscious choice to put on these virtues as one would put on actual garments. Just like we choose our clothes every day, we are also called to intentionally choose love, unity, and forgiveness in our thoughts, words, and actions towards others.
Imagine starting each day by deliberately dressing yourself in love, unity, and forgiveness. How would your interactions with others change if you approached them with these qualities? Paul is emphasizing the importance of not just feeling these virtues internally but also expressing them outwardly in our relationships with those around us. To clothe ourselves in love means to show kindness and compassion, to clothe ourselves in unity means to prioritize harmony and understanding, and to clothe ourselves in forgiveness means to let go of past hurts and grudges. We can create a more positive and peaceful environment for ourselves and those around us by embodying these virtues.
Understanding what Colossians 3:12-14 really means
The Apostle Paul provides guidance to the believers in Colossae on how to live out their faith in daily life in Colossians 3:12-14. This passage is a part of his broader exhortation in the letter to the Colossians, where he emphasizes the transformation that comes with accepting Christ. It follows his earlier teachings on putting off the old self and putting on the new self, which is renewed in the image of its Creator.
Detailed Breakdown and Key Phrases
Paul begins by addressing the readers as “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.” This phrase is foundational, reminding us of our identity in Christ. Being chosen, holy, and loved signifies a special relationship with God, one that should inspire a sense of responsibility and gratitude. Ephesians 1:4-5 echoes this sentiment, stating that God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.
He then instructs believers to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Each of these virtues represents a facet of Christ’s character. Compassion, for instance, reflects Jesus’ heart for the suffering and the lost, as seen in Matthew 9:36. Kindness and humility are central to Christian behavior, mirroring Christ’s actions and teachings, such as in Philippians 2:3-4, where Paul urges believers to consider others above themselves.
Interconnectedness of Virtues
Paul’s call to “bear with each other and forgive one another” highlights the communal aspect of Christian life. Forgiveness is crucial, as it mirrors God’s forgiveness of us. Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiving others to receive God’s forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15. This directive fosters a spirit of unity and peace within the community, essential for maintaining harmony.
The climax of this passage is found in the command to “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Love is the glue that holds all these virtues together, as it is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). Without love, our actions and virtues can become hollow or self-serving. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 underscores that all actions, no matter how noble, are meaningless without love. This passage is profoundly relevant in today’s world, where division and conflict are rampant. The virtues Paul lists are antidotes to the negativity we often encounter. Imagine a workplace where employees practice compassion and patience, or a family where forgiveness and love are the norms. Such environments would drastically differ from many we see today. A man who experienced a severe betrayal chose to forgive the person who wronged him. His act of forgiveness not only restored a broken relationship but also inspired others in his community to reconcile their differences. This example illustrates the transformative power of living out these virtues.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Reflect on these virtues and consider how you can embody them in your daily life. Are there areas where you struggle with compassion or patience? What steps can you take to foster a spirit of forgiveness and love? We can become true reflections of Christ’s love and grace, creating a more harmonious and loving community by striving to live out these principles.
How can we show compassion and forgiveness to others?
We can show compassion and forgiveness to others as instructed in Colossians 3:12-14 by first putting on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This means being understanding and empathetic towards others, willing to help and support them in their struggles. Forgiveness can also play a significant role in showing compassion, as letting go of past wrongs can open the door to healing and reconciliation in relationships. We demonstrate love and grace towards others by bearing with one another and forgiving each other just as the Lord has forgiven us, reflecting the unconditional love and forgiveness we have received from God.
Furthermore, showing compassion and forgiveness requires us to cultivate a mindset of peace and unity. When conflicts arise, we are called to seek reconciliation and unity, working towards harmony with our brothers and sisters. This involves being patient and understanding, willing to resolve disputes with a spirit of forgiveness and understanding. We can demonstrate compassion and forgiveness in our actions and interactions with others by choosing to love above all else, fostering a community of peace and grace.
Application
Friends, think of your life like a busy workplace or a bustling family. Wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience like your daily uniform. Let love be the glue that keeps you together, forgiving others as you’ve been forgiven. Aim for unity and let peace guide your choices, always remembering the endless love of Christ. Will you step up and make these virtues a part of your everyday life?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.