bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:13-14)

Above all.    Put on love.   Bond of perfection.

As I read the above passage and reflect on the events that took place in our city this past week, I become painfully aware that I am not there yet.  Amidst the anger and violence going on all around us, can I honestly say that I love those who want to do me harm?  Can I say that I forgive, for no other reason than that Christ has forgiven me?  Sadly, I can’t.

Peace seems such an elusive thing these days.  More than ever before, I have been praying for peace – in our world, our nation, our city, in our families.  Here in these verses, we see that it is love for others that produces the peace we long for. It is love which will help us to bear with one another, forgive one another and in turn will bind us in perfect harmony.

It is the Spirit of Christ in us that will bring us to that perfect peace.  We must put aside all strife and come to Him with broken and willing hearts.  He has shown us the way, it is up to us to walk in it.

Sandra