DEC 3

Colossians 3:14
Memorise 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"...and above all these things put charity..."

Colossians 3:14 exhorts: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” This is the last of the three ‘put ons’ that Paul exhorted all to do: unlike the first in verse 10 which was in the past tense indicating we already have it, the latter two are in the present tense, meaning we must continually do it. The phrase “above all” does not indicate importance, but rather the logical order, that charity (meaning love in action) applies to every one of these virtues listed in the preceding two verses. Love is the bond that binds all the virtues together, like the hub of a bicycle wheel that binds all the spokes together which makes the entire wheel perfect and complete. Our goal of positional and progressive sanctification (“perfectness”) requires charity to bind everything we do. This is why the greatest commandment can be summarisedd in the command to love God and our neighbours (Matthew 22:37-40). It is not possible to forgive without love, to show kindness without love, or to practise any true Christian virtue at all, without love. If we try to do so, it will come off as being very half-hearted and insincere. Charity is the mark of every true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we must all put on charity, for Jesus says by it, shall all man know that ye are my disciples (John 13:35). In fact, relate the definition of charity in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to these virtues in Colossians 3:12-13 and you find much in common. For example, charity suffereth long (longsuffering); charity is kind (kindness); charity is not puffed up (humbleness of mind); charity beareth all things (forbearing).

Dear teen, examine yourself to see if you have charity in everything you do with fellow brethren. Remember to use the definition of charity in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as your yardstick, not your own. When you show kindness to another teen, do you have any ulterior motive for doing so? If so, then you do not really have charity, for charity does not seek her own. When you show meekness to someone who falsely accuses you, in your heart do you still resent him and bear a grudge against him? If so, remember that charity thinketh no evil. Please don’t think that forbearing means excusing others who are sinning, for charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth instead.

Thought: Do I have true charity toward others?
Prayer: May I use God's understanding of charity, not my own.