Colossians 3: 12-17; Psalm 150; Luke 6:27-38
Today’ s readings offer a description of the new kin-dom ushered in by Jesus.
It is a kin-dom in which people love their enemies, lend without expecting return, do not judge, but are merciful, just as God is merciful. Then in this kin-dom good things will overflow. Colossians continues the description, which could become a mission statement for a community, ministry staff, family, co-workers. “Clothe yourselves with….” means accept God’ s gifts of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness, just as God has offered all this to us. We are exhorted to let love, union, peace and gratitude reign in our hearts. We are to absorb the Word of Christ, teaching one another, singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs in gratitude. “Whatever you do in word or in work, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Then the psalm responds to this abundance with a song of praise.
Of all the gifts God is offering you, as described today, which do you need most now? Ask for it. What does our church need? Ask. What does our country need? Ask.
How might you add to this description of the way our community is gifted to relate with one another? Anything you would subtract? Talk the subtraction over with Jesus (for example, loving our enemies).
Merciful God, make us one in mind and heart. Send us as ambassadors of love and unity into our broken and too often vicious world with your Word. Thank you for your abundant gifts!