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Day 8: Living in Love and Unity
Focus: The New Life in Christ
Key Passage: Colossians 3:12-17
As we continue our journey through Colossians, today we focus on the heart of Christian living—love and unity. After instructing us to put off the old self, Paul now shifts to what we are called to “put on” in our new life in Christ. This passage highlights the virtues we are to embrace as we live in community with other believers, united in love and peace.
Clothe Yourselves with Compassion, Kindness, and Humility
Paul begins by describing the qualities that should define us as God’s chosen people:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
As those who have been set apart by God, we are called to live differently from the world. Paul uses the metaphor of “clothing” to illustrate how these virtues should be visible in our daily interactions. Just as we put on clothes each day, we must intentionally “put on” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are the outward expressions of an inward transformation.
These qualities reflect the character of Christ and how He calls us to treat others. Compassion moves us to care for those who are hurting, kindness seeks to uplift others, humility leads us to put others before ourselves, gentleness guides us to respond with grace, and patience enables us to endure difficult situations and people without losing our Christlike attitude.
Bear with Each Other and Forgive as the Lord Forgave You
In verse 13, Paul addresses the importance of forgiveness in Christian community:
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Living in community means that, inevitably, conflicts and grievances will arise. But as followers of Christ, we are called to bear with one another in love and to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God. This kind of forgiveness is not based on whether the other person deserves it; rather, it is a reflection of the grace we ourselves have received. When we forgive, we free ourselves from the weight of bitterness and allow God’s peace to reign in our hearts.
Above All, Put on Love
Paul sums up his exhortation with a powerful statement:
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14).
Love is the supreme virtue that holds everything else together. It is the foundation of Christian relationships and the key to living in unity. Without love, our acts of kindness, humility, and patience lose their true meaning. Love is what motivates us to treat others as Christ would and to seek unity rather than division. In a world that is often divided, the Church is called to be a place of radical, selfless love that points to Jesus.
Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts
Paul continues by encouraging believers to let the peace of Christ “rule” in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). This peace comes from knowing that Christ is in control, and it should guide our interactions with others. When we allow Christ’s peace to rule in our hearts, we can handle disagreements, conflicts, and challenges with grace. The result is a community marked by unity and harmony.
Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly
In verse 16, Paul shifts the focus to the Word of God:
“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.”
God’s Word should dwell richly in our hearts and our communities. It is the foundation for how we teach, encourage, and challenge one another. Worship, whether through song or Scripture, plays a central role in our spiritual growth and helps us keep our focus on Christ. This passage reminds us that gratitude and joy should overflow in our hearts as we grow together in the Word.
Do It All in the Name of the Lord Jesus
Paul concludes this section with a powerful call to live for Christ in all that we do:
“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 3:17).
Everything we do—whether in our relationships, our work, or our daily decisions—should be done for the glory of Christ. When we live this way, we live as reflections of Christ’s love, grace, and truth in the world.
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on the virtues Paul describes. Are there areas where you need to “put on” compassion, kindness, or forgiveness? How can you live out love and unity within your relationships, especially in difficult situations? Are you letting the peace of Christ rule in your heart?
Application
Today, consider how you can “clothe” yourself in the virtues of Christ. Reflect on these questions:
- How can I show compassion, kindness, or forgiveness to someone in my life today?
- Is there an area where I need to let go of division or resentment and seek unity and peace instead?
Call to Action
This week, make a conscious effort to practice one of these virtues—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, or forgiveness—in a specific relationship or situation. Ask God to help you reflect His love in every interaction.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me to a new life in Christ. Help me to clothe myself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me and to live in unity with others. May Your love and peace rule in my heart, and may everything I do reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.