Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love – the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body control your hearts. Be thankful. Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:12-17
My words…
Praise
Father, I don’t know what You call us – those of us who follow Your Son. A long time ago in Antioch, someone came up with “Christian.” Paul refers to us as “God’s chosen ones.” My guess is that You call us each by name. But the Antioch name stuck, and it’s a fine name. I wear it proudly. Lately, however, I am beginning to believe that the name “Christian” has lost some of its meaning within my society. Or perhaps it has gained meaning it shouldn’t have. One Christian calls out another kind of Christian. How many kinds are there? I know what the answer should be. But this I know: You see our hearts. You know the truth about each of us. No matter what we call ourselves. I may be puzzled, but, thankfully, You aren’t.
Prayer for me
When I hear about Christians (or those professing to be such) publicly denouncing other Christians, I sort of growl. I can’t help but harbor contempt for them. They cannot see the hearts of others as You can. Must we stave off the attacks of Satan and other Christians at the same time? Or are they all Satan’s attacks? I pray You will help me know how to react to the attacks of others who wear Your Son’s name. Give me that level of wisdom, please.
Forgive me
The Apostle Paul encourages and instructs me through his words to the Colossians. His words are also convicting. Instead of praying them into my life, I turn them on other Christians. (I wonder if the peace of the Messiah is really controlling her heart. When was the last time he sang a spiritual song? 1973?) You’ve given me a job to do, and that is not it. Forgive me for judging instead of accepting.
Prayer for others
Today I pray for all of us who wear the name of Your Son, who follow His teachings, who long for His return. We are a mighty clan! I plead with Your Holy Spirit to unite us in love so we will stand firm against the Prince of This World and not attack each other.
Thank You
Thank You for winter. I can’t believe I am praying this. But winter, the bleak, frigid months, provide stark contrast to the warmth of summer. How much more lovely the rays of the sun on my face in June after the bone chill of January?
More praise
I feel most at home around Christians. If I meet a stranger who proclaims Your Son as his lord, we’re no longer strangers. We’re siblings. We’re Your children. We’re co-heirs. And one day we will all be together with You. And then it won’t matter what we’re called.
