Sunday Praise & Worship 10:00
Christian Education - 10:00 - Casual Dress - Loving Childcare
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Key verse: Colossians 3:12 “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Although Paul did not found the Christian community in Colossae, he heard of trouble there and wrote to help guide them through the rough waters. In Colossae, the new Christians were surrounded by a multitude of “spiritual” opportunities from other cults popular in the region, and therefore struggled to understand their own identity vis-à-vis these other cults. Some of these others tried to convince the new Christians that they had to practice outward signs of religious observance, such as following the Jewish law, sexual asceticism, and having visionary experiences with the Divine. These outward signs, others told the new Christians, would give them the right to judge others as they were more spiritually mature. Paul wrote to correct these misunderstandings first of all by reminding the Christians in Colassae who they already were as new creations in Christ and what Christ had already given to them. Using the language of baptism, he invited them to remember that their growth toward spiritual maturity involved becoming more like Christ who gave them new birth. That growth could only come about by living together in community with other Christians, and their way of living together as a community served as the sign of their spiritual growth. To signify this change in identity, early Christians received new clothes when they were baptized, representing a taking off of the old self with its old habits and attitudes and putting on the new self whose nature is like Christ. Our passage today picks up on that baptismal language. The key verse begins with three assurances which are part of our identity as baptized Christians: God chose you (therefore you must be worthy through Christ), to be part of the holy people (therefore you are invited to live in community with others), and God loves you. When we realize the truth of these assurances, we can risk taking off the defensive nature of our old selves and putting on the new baptismal clothes of love, patience, kindness, mercy, humility, and gentleness. This baptismal imagery presents a bit of a paradox: Christ has made us new creations, yet we must practice those things which are part of our new nature in order to mature in our faith. Ultimately, the sign of our maturity is not in outward religious observances, but in our willingness to love and serve others in Christ’s name. The qualities that our passage names enable us to grow in our faith and to live together in the new community that Christ has inaugurated. Tenderhearted mercy and kindness invite us to have a sympathetic understanding for others in whatever situations they find themselves. Gentleness and patience invite us to not get frustrated with others’ shortcomings, but to gently correct or to let go of small annoyances. Humility and making allowances for each others’ faults invite us to accept both ourselves and others for who we are, including our strengths and weaknesses, knowing that we are worthy of respect and love. Forgiveness invites us to share with others the grace God has poured over us. As we practice these in our community, these traits become part of our character and therefore part of our witness. Steve Sjogren calls them “gospel seeds” which touch people’s hearts with a kernel of Christ’s love, moving them closer in their relationship with Christ. Studies have shown that it takes somewhere between 12 and 20 of these love touches to soften a person’s heart to where they can enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. As we practice these generous acts of kindness, we plant the seeds of Christ in the hearts of others, but we also become more like Christ ourselves, making the encounter truly a win-win. All of us can use these love touches no matter where we are in our spiritual growth, and each of us can practice these generous acts of kindness to become more and more like Christ. Questions for Reflection 1—Besides God’s love in Christ, what’s the most generous gift or act of sharing you have ever received? How did that generosity make you feel? In what situations do you enjoy being generous? How can you expand that generosity into all areas of your life? 2—Which of the above traits is most difficult for you to practice? Why? Which one comes naturally? How can living in community help us sharpen these skills? 3—Think of an act of kindness you can offer to someone this week. Invite a friend or two to join you in this act of kindness. When someone asks you why you are doing it, share with them that you are showing God’s love in a tangible way. Let’s tell our stories of our encounters over the next several weeks. 4—How did the Holy Spirit speak to you in worship today? |
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