True Community
Opening Prayer
Lord, hear my prayer: “Let the message of Christ dwell among [me] richly” (Col. 3:16).
Read COLOSSIANS 3:12–17
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
If whatever we did in word or deed were done in the name of Jesus, how much everyday trouble would disappear!
Think Further
We are frequently reminded that, alongside the integrating influence of globalization, there has been an accompanying and more troubling trend—the rise of nationalism and tribalism. Fracture lines are seen everywhere, across nations, communities and ethnicities. As Christian believers, we joyfully affirm the intercultural unity that the Gospel has brought about—although too often we do not see this working in our churches as it should.
Paul reminds us of Christ’s example (12–14). A basic rule for our behavior toward others is to act toward them as God has acted toward us. If we have experienced God’s forgiveness for ourselves, then we are to dispense forgiveness to others. In our relationships, we are to show mercy and compassion; in our estimation of ourselves, we are to show humility; and in our responses to how others treat us, we are to behave with gentleness and patience. These are all qualities which Christ exemplified, and, since our lives are lived in union with him, these same qualities are to be ours. Paul then reminds us of Christ’s peace (15). In both our family and in our church the rule of Christ is the rule of peace. This wholeness, harmony and unity should umpire in Christian community. Third, there is Christ’s Word (16). The truth of the Gospel is the decisive influence in shaping us, as it guides our lives and determines our priorities. We need to become biblically minded, thoroughly soaked in God’s Word, allowing that to dwell within and among us richly (16).
If our local church were shaped by Christ’s example, Christ’s peace and Christ’s Word, the result would be transformational, expressing the reality of the new humanity which the Gospel brings about. Our fractured world desperately needs to see such a novel community with Christ at its center.
Apply
Using verses 12–14, pray that these qualities will be more and more evident in your life. Perhaps, as a result, there is someone you need to forgive.
Closing prayer
Lord, transform my life and my church to such an extent that the results are nothing short of sensational.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.