Thought
of the Week for March 7, 2005:
Put on then...Love (Colossians
Paul raises the stakes yet again in Colossians
3:14. He says, “above all these put on
love.” Why does he say, “above all
these?” Because without love, all of the
other character traits mentioned in vv. 12-13 are useless. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, it is there that
Paul lists a bunch of wonderful abilities and traits (speaking with the tongues
of angels, faith that can move a mountain, etc.). But in the end, if love is absent, they’re
all meaningless. Likewise, you can’t be
compassionate, kind, humble, meek, patient, and forgiving without love. Paul further says love “binds everything
together in perfect harmony.” What he
means by that is a true love for other people is what motivates these other
traits.
Now I’ve said all this without defining love. Love is a fruit of the Spirit; it is the
ability to put the needs and concerns of others before yours to the point of
self-sacrifice. The Biblical definition
can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
God is love personified (cf. 1 John 4:8). Jesus Christ is love on display. If you read through 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, you
can’t help but see these traits on perfect display in the gospels. This very same love of God is poured out in
our hearts (Romans 5:5). We don’t need
to pray to be more loving. All we need
to do is pray for God’s love to work itself out in our lives.
Have a blessed week!