A note from the Pastor’s desk:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”

Colossians 3:12

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The third chapter of Colossians is structured around a spiritual “hinge” found in verse 12, marking the transition from instructions to remove actions to instructions to adopt actions. Having commanded the believer to “mortify” and “put off” the vices of the old nature—such as anger, wrath, and malice—the Apostle Paul pivots in verse 12 to the construction of the disciple’s character. This verse transforms the theological concepts into tangible actions for believers. 

The Apostle establishes the disciple’s standing in Christ before listing out the actions and virtues. He begins by reminding the believers that they are the “elect of God,” having been set aside with a holy purpose. The elect of God are saints not because of their own actions but because of the determination of a sovereign God. The Apostle goes further and states that the elect are “beloved.” This word indicates that God loves the disciple and, therefore, instructs the disciple to put on these virtues not to acquire love but as a result of having God’s love. 

An important aspect of understanding the Apostle’s writings is translating his theological terms into practical, understandable actions. The first virtue listed is to put on “bowels of mercies.” This term refers to a mindset and a course of action that demonstrates compassion. The starting line for living the “new life” in Christ is to think first and foremost about compassion, not judgment. The terms “kindness” and “meekness” need little explanation. The two terms taken together instruct the disciple to be strong in doing good for others. Humbleness of mind or humility was despised as much in the Greco-Roman world of the Apostle as it is in the toxic masculinity society of today. The application of true humility makes the disciple not think too highly of themselves, especially in the sight of God, and also in comparison to others. Finally, the Apostle says to engage in longsuffering or patience, which brings with it an ability to endure misfortune or tribulation. 

When taken together, the virtues in this verse form a disciple focused on compassion for others, with a desire and strength to do good while enduring their own struggles. Speaking bluntly, there is nothing easy about this form of discipleship. It is exhausting to attempt to serve God and your neighbor in this fashion while the world around you rewards greed, power, and hatred. The disciple repeatedly told that this method of discipleship is not true Christianity is defeating. There is no solution to this problem. The only option for the disciple is to reapply themselves to their walk with Christ daily. To intertwine their lives with HIM that they might be strengthened for another day ahead. 

It should be our prayer for one another that we have the strength to walk in the manner outlined here by the Apostle. A way of life that reflects the truth of Jesus Christ.

Our Prayers are with you daily,