A note from our Pastor’s desk:

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”

Colossians 3:14

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The Apostle Paul presents many behavioral instructions for the disciples in the letter to the Colossians. Each of those instructions is important on its own, but ultimately they should function as a whole. Our study verse this week serves as the keystone instruction. In architecture, the keystone is the final piece of the arch that holds it all together. Charity or love in our spiritual lives serves the same purpose. 

The Apostle begins this verse saying, “and above all these things.” This phrase emphasizes the importance of the subject he is introducing, but it is also a metaphor. The Apostle begins in verse 12 by listing many characteristics of the disciple of Christ. He begins that verse with the phrase, “put on,” indicating that he wants the reader to think about characteristics like items of clothing. He concludes the metaphor in this verse, saying that charity is the item put on last and on top of the others. In this metaphor, think of charity as a belt that holds all of the other pieces in place. Each of the other items, forbearing, forgiving, and long-suffering, is important, but without love, they are loose-fitting and lack a clear connection. 

Charity, or love, is not a mere feeling. When Christ commanded his disciples to love their neighbors, it was a call to action, not to feeling. Love is the element that transforms forbearing, forgiving, and long-suffering from being performative to being authentic. It is the force that binds together the community of believers, allowing them to be individuals yet a united body worshipping and depending on Christ. It is the bond of completeness for the body of Christ.

The outcome of charity is a maturity in the disciples of Christ, both as individuals and as a community. When other discipleship actions are performed without love, they can still hold elements of jealousy, bitterness, and competition. However, when each disciple has a mind for charity, the actions are completed and received with the grace and mercy that is necessary. 

Finally, it is important to remember that charity, like the other actions, is not a state of being that a disciple reaches. Rather, it is a continual striving, a daily struggle, and an hourly choice. Each day will bring many failures in the realm of charity, but they are opportunities to repent and strengthen discipleship. Jesus is not looking for perfection in our walk that we cannot accomplish, but instead for us to be aware of how our actions reflect his grace and love.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah