FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2022
(Part 5)
PEACE, LOVE, HOLINESS
September 9, 2021
Today’s readings:
Colossians 3:12-17
Psalm 150:1-6
Luke 6:27-38
What is the natural response we must have to a God who blesses us beyond bounds? It is to praise Him, anywhere and everywhere, any time and all the time, one and all (Ps 150:1-5). Indeed, “let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord! Hallelujah!” (Ps 150:6). We manifest such praise of God when we pray without ceasing, are thankful in all circumstances, and rejoice always.
We are to be thankful:
- That we can enjoy the peace of Christ. “And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.” (Col 3:15).
- That we can in fact enter into the presence of a holy God and be nourished by His word. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Col 3:16).
- That we are given the privilege to live our lives for Christ and to serve him. “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.” (Col 3:17).
When we are thus focused on Jesus, when we are positively disposed due to our constant prayer, gratitude and joy, then he is able to continue to teach us and form us.
- We grow in the necessary virtues for the Christian life. “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Col 3:12).
- We are able to forgive others in Christ, “bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” (Col 3:13). This brings peace not just to us, but in our relationships with others. And of course we realize that we forgive, because Jesus himself has forgiven us first.
- We grow in love, which is the greatest of virtues and which sums up all the other virtues as well. “And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.” (Col 3:14). With love we are able to grow in holiness, and even strive for perfection. In fact, God defines love for us, which is so different from the selfish love most people know. This love is not just for those we feel good about, or for those close to us. Jesus teaches us: “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Lk 6:27).
Who can love in this way? Apart from the grace of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit, we cannot. But this is the love Jesus showed when he went to the cross for us. He gave us a model for our own conduct. He teaches us and shows us the way. And the bountiful blessing is that Jesus gives us the opportunity to be like God. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Lk 6:36). And if we grow to be like Christ, the ultimate blessing is that we make it to heaven. “Then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High” (Lk 6:35b). Having peace, growing in love, being like Christ, living with the Father eternally in heaven—how boundless indeed is the love and blessings of God for us. These are more than enough reasons for us to pray without ceasing, to be thankful in all circumstances, and to rejoice always.