Healing Rays of Righteousness

I invite you to open your bible to Colossians 3:12-17 and read Paul’s list of resolutions for those who claim to be God’s chosen people. I suggest this list of Christ-like virtues worthy of your serious resolve to be more Jesus-like in the coming months of this new year.

To better understand Paul’s thinking regarding these virtues, I offer my 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.”

Having set the stage of past life-events, Paul shouts, “Therefore” to get our attention and addresses us as “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.”  The Scriptures repeatedly affirm that this is really who we are, and how we live and what we do flows out of who we are. The Scriptures also teach that 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 that flow from our earthly nature. “Holy” also has to do with being set apart and dedicated for special purpose. As Creator of all things, God claims us and calls us to respond to his love. And when we do, we are made alive and given a new pattern and purpose for living in our world.

Both meanings of “holy” help to define our identity.  But most importantly, we are “dearly loved.”  I do not think there is anything more important than knowing that I am loved.   

Paul passionately believes this truth and shouts to us, “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 on 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 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, can be difficult and stressful, causing us

to become arenas of conflict and competition. How can these feelings to be arbitrated and harmonized?

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.”  Paul knew that only within the peace that Christ gives, are we motivated and empowered for having a good relationship with ourselves and with all others.

Be Thankful (v.16)

The body-life of the Christian congregation is described in this verse as teaching, admonishing, and gratefully singing together with all wisdom. The “word of Christ” is a synonym of his living presence within us. We are admonished to “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.”  The Lord Christ wants to be “at home” in our hearts and worshipping community.

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. Yes, the church is to be the reality of God’s Kingdom today in our 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 Jesus’ name, I need not cower nor bully, neither whine nor despair, in my conduct and conversations.

I believe being in Christ, filled with his Spirit, and committed to the above resolutions, will assure our being adequately prepared for the new year of 2025. And whatever the year may bring into your life, always remember you are chosen, holy, and dearly loved by God.

<><><><><> 

Ray M. Geigley – “Healing Rays of Righteousness” – www.geigler13.wordpress.com – 01/22/25