Put on Love* Chapter 3 of Paul’s letter to the Colossians is a personal favorite (especially verses 1-17). I won’t quote the whole chapter…just a couple of verses that I find particularly timely right now. The world in which we live is in quite a challenging place: bitter divisions around politics (and a tumultuous election), long standing racial tensions, financial hardships, war between Russia and Ukraine as well as between Israel and Hamas. And over the last few decades, a growing lack of civility and charity towards those who disagree with us. So, what are we to do? And above all these put on 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 one body. And be thankful. (Col 3:14-15) Put on Love. Not the “oppy goopy mushy feeling love.” Put on the “roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty as you love your neighbor (dare I say enemy) love.” This is the love that listens without judgement or condescension; that loves mercy and seeks justice (God’s justice…not my own) and walks in humility. And then let Christ’s peace rule in your heart. The “be still and know that I am God” kind of peace that comes by letting Christ have his way with you. The peace that comes from knowing deep down that you are part of his body here on earth. That abiding in Jesus peace that grounds you in the love of the Father. And be thankful. Let your attitude be shaped and adorned with gratitude…for ALL that the Lord has done in you and with you and for you! Whew! That’s a lot to ask. How are we to do this? Again, Paul gives us a clue: For you have died, and your life is hidden in Christ with God. Colossians 3:3 Paul reminds us that we have put off the old self…the old way of living and are putting on the new life we have in Jesus. And so he tells us to put this way of life on as if we were putting on clean clothes. Which brings us back to the first part of verse 14: “Above all these.” Just what are all these? Compassion. Kindness. Humility. Meekness. Patience. Forgiveness. We are to bear with one another (not simply put up with each other), but to actually bear the burdens that we face in these times with our brothers and sisters. In other words, Put on Love. Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p.236) *Reprinted from October 26, 2023 | 
