OCT 2

Colossians 1:3-4
Memorise Colossians 1:4
“…none other commandment greater than these...”

Paul commended the Colossian church for “…your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints” (Colossians 1:4). Recall Christ’s answer to the question asking Him which was the greatest commandment: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31). “Faith in Christ Jesus” (v4) is never a dead faith (James 2:17); when one has genuine faith in Christ, believing in His priceless sacrifice, his natural response would be to do his all for Christ compelled by love for Him. The Colossian church loved God not just in word but in action. Through the testimony it was evident that they had faith in God’s Word and in the living Word which is Christ, for not only were they totally devoted to God, but they also fulfilled the command to love others as well. Indeed, being able to love even one’s enemies is a mark of a true Christian, for this ability can only come from God Himself through the Holy Spirit (v8).

The connection between faith and love is an important one against today’s ecumenical world, where so many preach that love unites but doctrine divides. Some would even say that if we could proclaim that all religions point to the same God, then there would be world peace. While love is important, it must never be at the expense of the truth of God’s Word (1 Corinthians 13:6). We must have faith in Christ Jesus, believing that it is only by Christ that one can come to God (John 14:6). If others cannot accept that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, then we cannot unite with them just for the sake of love, for that would be tantamount to betraying our faith in Christ. Dear teen, it may be difficult for you when other Christians discover you belong to a non-ecumenical church and start criticising you for being intolerant. Remember it is far more important to be lauded by God for one’s faith and love like the Colossians, than to be lauded by men for being tolerant of other religions. However, we must also show love towards others who are so misled by today’s ecumenical world, by showing them the truth of God’s Word so that they might be saved.

Thought: Will others also commend me for my faith and love?
Prayer: May I never betray Christ.