DEC 1

Colossians 3:12
Memorise Acts 10:34
“…as the elect of God…”

Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:12 “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Just as in Colossians 3:10, Paul again used the phrase “put on”, and listed out certain attributes that all believers must have in their relationships one with another. After all, we are all the elect of God, holy and beloved of Him. We have not done anything to earn this salvation we have, but God has nonetheless showered his mercy and grace so abundantly upon us. He thus calls us to show this same love, one to another.

“Bowels of mercies” means showing others bountiful mercies from deep down within oneself, and this is the most fundamental virtue for all the other virtues that Paul listed. Sincerity is critical: we must not just ‘put on’ a show of mercy, but it must be from our heart. Do you treat fellow teens with such mercy? Your friends may sometimes say or do wrong against you, yet we must be very merciful to one another instead of being vengeful at every wrong we suffer. In showing compassion, we must weep with them who weep in despair, and be ready to be there for them, rather than selfishly think we do not have the time to spare. “Kindness” has the connotation of gentleness; instead of being harsh and critical like other teens in this world, we must be kind and gentle towards fellow Christians, especially those who are neglected. Paul uses the phrase “Humbleness of mind” to contrast with the “voluntary humility” he spoke of earlier. This humbleness must come from our mind, not something we pretend to show outwardly. To deal with others in “meekness” is biting your tongue and not getting angry when others falsely accuse you or goad you, trusting God will right your wrong. When your friends or classmates tease you, do you snap at them, or do you quietly smile and respond in meekness? To have “longsuffering” towards others is to endure the faults of others. Do you avoid relating with those who are socially awkward, who are temperamental or have other quirks or idiosyncrasies that tend to alienate others? Again, remember that all believers are equal, sinners saved by grace, and we should not treat some worse than others, just as God is no respecter of persons.

Thought: Should I wait for other teens to treat me well before I do so?
Prayer: May I treat other teens as God wants me to, not as I feel I should.