Colossians 3:12-17 - Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

In Colossians 3:12-17, the Apostle Paul exhorts the church in Colossae, as God's chosen people, to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and above all, love. These virtues are essential for maintaining unity and harmony within the body of Christ. Paul emphasizes that love is the perfect bond that holds everything together. He also encourages the Colossians to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, since they were called to peace as members of one body. Thankfulness should be a hallmark of their lives. Paul urges them to let the word of Christ dwell richly among them as they teach and admonish one another with wisdom, and as they sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God with gratitude in their hearts. Finally, Paul reminds them that whatever they do, whether in word or deed, it should all be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. This passage provides a beautiful picture of the Christ-centered, others-focused life that should characterize those who have been chosen by God and called into His family.

As believers, we have been adopted into God's family through faith in Christ. This passage from Colossians 3 gives us a glimpse of what life in the family of God should look like. Just as we put on clothing each day, we are called to intentionally put on virtues that reflect the character of Christ - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love. These are not optional accessories, but essential attire for every Christian. Of all these virtues, love reigns supreme. Love is the glue that binds us together and enables us to maintain unity despite our differences. When we are tempted to be impatient, unkind or unforgiving towards a brother or sister in Christ, we must remember how much God has loved and forgiven us. As we extend that same love and grace to others, we showcase the beauty of the gospel. In addition to clothing ourselves with Christlike virtues, we must also let Christ's peace rule in our hearts and His word dwell richly among us. In a world filled with anxiety, conflict and division, the church should be a haven of peace. We experience this peace as we submit to the lordship of Jesus and allow His truth to permeate our thoughts, words and actions. When we gather together, whether as a family or as a church, our conversations and interactions should be seasoned with the wisdom of God's word, and our songs should be filled with gratitude for all He has done. Finally, this passage reminds us that the Christian life is not compartmentalized, but all-encompassing. Whatever we do, big or small, should be done in the name of Jesus and for His glory. As God's dearly loved children, we have the privilege and responsibility of representing Christ to the world around us. May our lives be characterized by thankfulness, peace, love and devotion to our Savior. As we seek to live out these truths in the context of our families, we will undoubtedly face challenges and conflicts along the way. But if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and clothe ourselves daily with His character, we will experience the richness of life in God's family. May God's spirit empower us to extend compassion instead of criticism, kindness instead of coldness, humility instead of pride, gentleness instead of harshness, patience instead of irritability, and forgiveness instead of bitterness. As we do, we will reflect the beautiful diversity and unity of God's family to a watching world.

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us into Your family through Jesus Christ. We are humbled and grateful that You have chosen us and lavished Your love upon us. Help us to daily put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. When we are tempted to lash out in anger or withhold forgiveness, remind us of the immense grace You have shown us. Teach us to love one another deeply, just as Christ has loved us. Lord, let Your peace rule in our hearts and Your word dwell richly among us. May our homes and churches be marked by gratitude, worship and godly wisdom. Give us the courage to have difficult conversations and the humility to admit when we are wrong. Help us to honor one another above ourselves and to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Most of all, may every aspect of our lives be lived for Your glory. Prompt us by Your Spirit to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, with a heart full of thankfulness to You. Use our families to showcase the beauty of the gospel to the world around us. May they be a foretaste of the perfect peace and unity we will one day enjoy when we are gathered together as one family in Your presence. We pray all of this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.