THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Lord, the new believers in Colosse were redeemed, yet they carried baggage they needed to shed. Prejudice and bigotry deeply ingrained that culture. These un-Christlike tendencies of human nature fought the new, regenerated spirits of the Colossian believers for control.

Since the Apostle Paul at one time practiced the same biases, he was qualified to outline how Christ followers should treat one another. These character traits went against everything their “me-first” attitude knew before coming to faith in Christ.

“Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let [allow] the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:13-15 NLT).

Did this new mindset of loving others happen overnight? Hardly. In their inner man, their old spirit battled their new spirit for control. As they chose to surrender their ways to order their lives according to your ways, Lord, their faith began to flourish.

This battle for control still exists. Haven’t we all who have come to Christ experienced this battle to live life God’s way and treat others as God expects? I’m one such Christ follower.

Lord, that’s why you gave the Holy Spirit to live inside all Christ followers, so we can put to death the ugliness of prejudices, bigotries, and every un-Christlike trait. May we all do so, Lord Jesus. Amen.