For the full context of this post read Colossians 3: 12- 17.
The Word of God is food for our souls. Some days we feast in it. Some days we starve ourselves from it. Everyday, it brings sustenance to the heart. Just as nutrients are stored and released to sustain our physical bodies when they need it most, the Word of God which is stored up in our hearts and minds is released when our souls need it most. What has sustained me this past week is the simple phrase that the Apostle Paul and Timothy wrote to the church in Colossae, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15, NIV). Because I needed this reminder, I looked up the full context of the verse, and I needed that even more!
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 (Colossians 3: 12-17, NIV).
The peace of Christ provides me compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It helps me to forgive and to put on love. I need the peace of Christ to rule in my heart! More than that, I need to know what the peace of Christ looks like. It looks like a garment of compassion. The peace of Christ looks like a person who is dressed in kindness. The peace of Christ clothes me in gentleness. And the peace of Christ is like wearing a great big fluffy overcoat parka of love!
The Scripture stored up in my heart released the sustenance I needed and reminded me that I need to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart. This week I am going to feast on the full passage, and memorize the entirety of it, so that I have strength for the day, and can store away the rest for when I will need it again.
Clothe yourself in the presence of God and His gifts in our life.
What God gives, we need to give to each other, and those that we are in contact daily. His love, mercy, and grace are contagious! (v 15- 17). Love this reference, and awesome description!