Yesterday, we covered some peace principles. Today, we continue that discussion as Paul provides those same principles in simpler terms. As he is writing to the church in Colossae, he gives them (and us) a rapid-fire lesson on how to live as Christians.
In Colossians 3:1-17, Paul rattles off a series of reasons for us to be thankful and to pursue peace. First and foremost, we have been raised in Christ. For Paul, this was reason enough to celebrate. He knew very well the promise that came with being in Christ.
He quickly transitions to writing a list of earthly behaviors and attitudes we are to reject, turn away from. It is an extensive list and one we cannot turn away from on our own. We need the help of the Holy Spirit and constantly remember we are raised in Christ.
Paul then lists the fruits of the Spirit, though slightly altered from his listing in Galatians 5:22-23. We are to forgive one another. Forgiving someone else frees us far more than it frees the other person. We are not holding the other person as prisoner; we are only holding ourselves prisoner when we don’t forgive.
All our actions, behavior, and work is to be done in love. Love brings it all together. Love is our motivation, driving force, and reason for becoming more like Jesus. Love is the genesis for pursuing peace and thankfulness. Love will bring about unity; a unity in Christ we sorely need to overcome the evil in this world.
I pray we all remember we are raised in Christ. I pray we allow the Holy Spirit to bring about change of attitude and behavior in our lives. I pray each one of us pursues peace through love for one another. Remember you are in Christ. Seek to change your attitude. Seek to change your behavior. Allow the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in you. Do all things in love. You are called to peace in Christ.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Marty Pressey 