Having Bible knowledge and understanding is great, however if the scriptures are not living and active in our lives, it is all in vain (Hebrews 4:12-13). The life application selections contain thoughts provoking, real life challenges that will prayerfully transform us to be more like Jesus in our spiritual journey. James 1:23-27 challenges us to not just merely listen or read the scriptures, it says “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” Do not miss your blessings my friends!
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
While I was driving, a thought came to my mind. God rescued me while I deserved to be cast out to hell. I said aloud, “I know!” I then said, “why would God rescue me or any of us yet to throw us away?” Then the voice inside of me said exactly, that is what the enemy wants you to believe. The verse above was written as part of a song David sung to praise God from saving him from his enemies. Do you believe that God is delighted in you? Do not look at the trials in your life to answer this question. Believing in someone takes faith. It is also to have the confidence no matter what the outcome of your circumstances might be, knowing without any doubt, our God, through the blood of Jesus Christ loves us and will complete what he has promised (Hebrews 11:1).
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
What do your eyes see? When there is a lot going on in your family, community, and the world. It is very easy to focus on what we can see with our human eyes. When we do, that is when we start losing hope, becoming critical of ourselves or others, giving up and sometimes question our faith and leaving God’s protection. In my personal study of Colossians 3:12-14, I have learned I can’t attain the spiritual clothes that Apostle Paul speaks of unless love they are held together or secure by love. “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14). Most of us are familiar with John 3:16 and we often quote it.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Jesus ended his lesson teaching his disciples how to pray by saying, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15). There was a time in my life where I could not embrace forgiveness. I was very adamant that before I could forgive those who have caused me harm, they had to admit their fault against me or apologize. I recall convincing myself that God understands my reason for resenting the individuals and refusing to forgive them.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Apostle Paul charged the Colossae church what they must clothe themselves with as dearly Loved children of God (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, Verse-12). After he charged them to apply these attributes in their lives, he reminded them to “Bear with each other and forgive one another.” Think about the sequence of Apostle Paul charge to the church! How can we bear and forgive each other if we don’t emulate these virtues in our lives? Jesus was the perfect example of all these virtues that I believe carried him through the crucifixion for a sinner like me (Romans 5:6-8).
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.
What does it mean to have patience as a Christian? The KJV used the word longsuffering. Honestly, I can relate to both words because God has revealed to me this is one of the hardest virtues in my Christian journey. I did not consider myself impatient, at least most of the time. God has shown me in the past few months how I am often lacking patience with myself, God’s timing, my family, friends and people in general. As I spent several weeks pondering on the different virtues that I am called to be clothed with, I am learning this is going to be my long-life battle until I see Jesus to rescue me from my sinful nature.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
What does gentleness imply in our lives as Christians? Gentleness is used interchangeably with the word “meekness.” As I study the life of Jesus through scriptures, I am continually learning what gentleness is not. I recall as a new Christian/disciple of Jesus Christ in my passion and joy knowing the Lord, I missed the entire concept of gentleness according to Jesus. I was quick to condemn, judge, reject, cancel/dismiss people who did not have the same passion for the gospel as I did. Until one day God spoke to me through his Holy words and different spiritual speakers. Most of all, through Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul’s example in the Bible. In Romans 5:8, Paul reminded me that Christ died for us while we were lost in darkness.
