Healing Rays of Righteousness

Read Colossians 3:12-17

I suggest that this set of Christian virtues become our “Be-Resolutions” for the New Year. 

To better understand Paul’s thinking regarding these virtues, I give you my edited summary of the prior verses 1 through 11.  “Since you have been made alive in Christ, set your hearts and minds on things above, for your life is now with Christ in God.  Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature, the things you did in the life you once lived. Get rid of these things and put on the new self which is being renewed in the image of your Creator God.”

That being true, Paul addresses us in verse 12 as “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.”  The Scriptures repeatedly affirm that this is who we are.  They also declare that how we live and what we do flows out of who we are.  Being and doing cannot be separated.

“Holy” has to do with our character, which shapes our attitudes and actions.  That’s why in the previous verses, 5 through 9, Paul urges us to put away the sins in our lives that flow from our earthly nature.

“Holy” also has to do with “being set apart,” that is, being dedicated for special purpose.  God lays his claims upon us, calls us, and we respond to his love.  Then we are made alive and have a new vocation, that is, to be his beloved and to think, feel, and live like him in our world.

Both meanings of “holy” help to define our identity.  But there is more.  We are “dearly loved.”  Is there anything more important than knowing that you are loved?  I don’t think so.  The witness of Scripture is that God’s love is unconditional and not dependent upon our merit.  His love is a constant embrace of grace which sustains and strengthens our journey onward, no matter what.    “Therefore …”

Be Caring (vv.12-13) “… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  God’s royal garments are graceful, beautiful, and life changing.  Each morning, God lovingly invites us into his dressing room to be clothed with garments from his priceless collection.

Compassion – I will care about my world and do my best to bring it help.  I will be moved by your pain and seek to act in your behalf.

Kindness –       I will do useful things to improve your well-being.

Humility –       I will remember who I am in relation to God and other persons.

Gentleness –   I will exercise self-control because I am God-controlled.

Patience –       I will tolerate and bear unpleasant situations, unexpected hurts, and  unwanted problems.

Forgive –         I will graciously forgive because God has forgiven me.

Be Loving (v.14) The difference between a nice wardrobe and stylish look is the “tied-together” appearance of the accessories.  Love is the garment that brings the parts of our character into a single whole.  Love “binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Be At Peace (v.15) Living with others in family, community, and church, is sometimes difficult and stressful. Frequently our hearts are arenas of conflict and competition.  All sorts of feelings clash within.  How can these feelings to be arbitrated and harmonized?  What feelings are allowed to rule?

The literal meaning of the word “rule” comes from the athletic arena, and Paul is literally saying, “Let the peace of God be the umpire in your heart.”  In the peace that only Christ can give, are we motivated and empowered for getting along with ourselves and with all others. 

Be Thankful (v.16) The body-life of the Christian congregation is described in this verse. The “word of Christ” is a synonym of his living presence within us.  We are admonished to “Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.”  The Lord Christ is to be “at home” in our hearts.

Our response to Christ’s being “at home” in our hearts is to be thankful and to express that in celebration of joy by singing “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.”  We are to be a grace-filled, grace-equipped, grace-celebrating people, in whom Christ dwells richly and through whom grace flows to the people around us.  The church is to be the Kingdom of God in the midst of this world.

Be Purposeful (v.17) The name of Jesus Christ stands at the center of Christian living, and provides both our identity, “I am a Christian,” and our authority, “I do this in Jesus’ name.”  As a Christian acting in his name, I need not cower nor bully, neither whine nor despair, in my conduct and conversations. 

I believe that being in Christ, being filled with his Spirit, and being committed to the above “Be-Resolutions, will assure our being adequately prepared for the new year of 2019.  And whatever the year may bring into your life, remember you are chosen, holy, and dearly loved by God.

“Healing Rays of Righteousness”  –  January 16, 2019