Yesterday, we saw examples of behaviors and attitudes we are to "put off." What a blessing that this passage also tells us what to "put on"!
- tenderhearted mercy
- kindness
- humility
- gentleness
- patience
- make allowance for each other's faults
- forgive anyone who offends you (remembering that the Lord has forgiven us!)
And not only that..."let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts." The word "rule" literally means "umpire." I think this sheds light on the truth of this phrase. An umpire's decision is final so don't bother arguing! The peace that comes from Christ must be the final arbiter in our relationships. Jesus rules!
One more thing..."always be thankful." It's hard to feel irritable when we are full of thankfulness.
Paul gives us so much to think about in these verses. We should come back to this passage over and over! This section ends with the following beautiful thoughts that summarize everything we have just read. "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."
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