Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another.
Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15)
Sometimes, our brothers and sisters in Christ can be frustrating.
But God reminded me of something this morning as I read this passage.
Yes, I am chosen by God, holy, and dearly loved by him.
But so are my brothers and sisters in Christ.
And that’s why he calls me to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience when dealing with them.
That’s why he asks me to bear with them and forgive them. To love them. And to let his peace rule in our relationships.
When we forget how God sees our brothers and sisters, it’s easy to slander them in our hearts.
In doing so, we indirectly blaspheme God, because we slander someone made in his image. (The word translated “slander” is generally translated “blaspheme” when used in reference to God).
And so God reminded me this morning, especially when I look at my wife and daughter, to remember that all his children are chosen, holy, and dearly loved by him. And I am to treat them that way.
How do you see your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 