Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Colossians 3:12–17

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NRSV)

Reflection

Harmony. If talking about a collection of individual musical voices forming a cohesive beautiful sound or the ability to navigate all of life’s varying parts in idyllic balance, we all can appreciate this idea of living in peace and harmony. So often we are distracted and overwhelmed by family dynamics, politics, news events, or our own personal struggles that we give into despair, anger towards another or ourselves, or have a closed-off heart. The thought of a harmonious life is beyond comprehension.

These among other struggles were also impacting the church in Colossae. They were under many cultural pressures and temptations and in his letter to the church Paul reminded them of who they were and whose they were. They were all God’s chosen people whom God dearly loved. These temptations and emotional weights that they carried did not need to be their way of life, but they could turn to God for God loves them, forgives them, and helps them if they would open up their hearts and follow God and God’s ways. God will bring them a peace that surpasses all understanding that will allow them to have harmony in their own lives and with each other. The same is true for us today. God’s love and forgiveness are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for loving us even when we fall short of loving you, ourselves, or your people. Help us to remember that true peace and harmony in our lives come from love. We pray that we will show that love in our words and actions every day. Amen.

Written by Michelle Epps, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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