Colossians 3:12-15

Love fulfills the Law!!! 

We live with Gratitude and Thanksgiving in response to the teachings of Christ. Have a happy and blessed thanksgiving!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave us…JESUS

Our God is rich in mercy, (Ephesians 2:4) and He longs to be gracious to us. (Isaiah 30:18) We do not have to live fearing God's judgment because He offers salvation to all who call on Him, (Romans 10:9;  Romans 10:13) to all who come in repentance and humility before Him. (Mark 6:12;  Acts 3:19) One day this opportunity will be no more. (Proverbs 27:1;  Hebrews 3:15) May we accept His mercy today and so live transformed by the power of the Son of God, who gave Himself in our place! (Galatians 2:20;  Romans 8:1;  Romans 6:23) First5

Colossians 3:12-15

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. The New King James Version

Originally, God chose the nation of Israel to be His people. However, because such distinctions are rendered irrelevant in Christ, Paul affirms the Colossian believers as being among God’s chosen people. Believers must have patience with one another, even while enduring difficult situations. Even in the community of believers, the actions of some offend or hurt others; how believers respond is critical. Experiencing God’s forgiveness shows that believers must forgive one another. The Greek word used here, eirēnē, refers to wholeness or the absence of conflict in a relationship. Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts. Paul commands the Colossians to express gratitude for the things they have and the people in their lives. Gratitude is a safeguard against grumbling and complaining, both of which can ruin a community. Faithlife Study Bible

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly is apparently a parallel thought to Paul’s statement in Ephesians 5:18 where he says to be “filled with the Spirit.” Both here and in Ephesians, the result of being “filled” with the Spirit or the word of Christ is singing. The psalms are the psalms found in the OT, the “songbook” of the early church as well as of Israel. The hymns would be the songs of the church that reflected the new truth in Christ. Spiritual songs may have been other kinds of songs praising God. Paul sums up how Christians should live. We should commit everything we do or say to Jesus and continually thank God for all His good gifts. The NKJV Study Bible

We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his working in all who are his. Thanksgiving to God, helps to make us agreeable to all men. The gospel is the word of Christ. Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no power over them. The soul prospers, when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ. But when we sing psalms, we must be affected with what we sing. Whatever we are employed about, let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on him. Those who do all in Christ’s name, will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 11:25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.