In Col 3:12-15 our picture of what the people of God should be like fills out some more. There are three main things to note. The first is in Col 3:12, where we note that the people of God are a people who have been specially chosen by God. In other words, there is no such thing as an "accidental" Christian. God specially choose every single believer for himself, to be set apart and loved by him (cf 1 Peter 2:9-10). It is also worth mentioning that the terms used in this verse - chosen, holy, beloved - were used to describe Israel. But now these terms are applied to the church. The church is the people of God.
Next, we note that God's people are specially "clothed." To belong to God means "putting on" certain virtues and practices, which are elaborated in Col 3:12-14. The virtues listed in v.12 are all used in the Bible to describe God and are perfectly displayed in Christ. Putting on these virtues means that we are relating to one another like God does, which is to say that we are acting towards each other like Jesus would. Indeed, Jesus is God's example to us on how to "wear" each of these virtues and he's also the means by which we "wear" each of these virtues.
One specific practice that should come out of "wearing" the virtues of v.12 is the practice of forgiveness (v.13). Forgiveness certainly ranks as one of the hardest things for us to do. It's important to note that forgiveness does not mean ignoring conflict. In order to forgive there much be a recognition that something has happened that has caused conflict and separation. Forgiveness does not negate the necessity for repentance on the part of the offender. The process of forgiveness is only fully realized when the offender repents from their sin against the offended party. Forgiveness does mean that there might not be consequences because of the committed offense. Sin does have costly and unavoidable effects at times (e.g. a formerly abusive father might have to serve time in jail and/or not be allowed any alone time ever again with his children).
Nevertheless, forgiveness does mean that we interact with one another with a continual spirit of openness and patience. We operate with a spirit that constantly looks to see things healed and to see reconciliation happen at whatever level is possible between people. In fact, the foundation upon which we forgive like this is found at the very heart of the ministry and message of Christ. The core truth of the gospel message is that God forgives us in Jesus Christ. And, as Pastor Mike Bullmore observes, gospel truth must directly lead to gospel conduct, or practice. In this case, the gospel truth is that you've been forgiven. The gospel practice then is that you forgive others.
Lastly we are told that "above all these put on love" (Col 3:14). Love is like the final fitted jacket that pulls the whole outfit together. It is the one virtue that unites and bonds us together as a people of God and will ultimately produce our perfection. Love should be the first impression people get from a believer and the lasting impression people get from a believer (cf John 13:34-35).
The final thing to note about God's people is that God's people are specially united (Col 3:15). There is to be a general spirit of harmony and wholeness among believers. The church should be ruled and guided by Christ's peace. This is ultimately Paul's concern - to see one church, united together around what's most important, which is Christ.
The picture of God's people in Col 3:12-15 should first of all make us greatly thankful to God. Secondly, it should make see the importance of being intentionally involved in a local church community. The local church is the local embodiment of God's people. It is the main context in which we can develop and display all the virtues and practices of Christ. This means then that the church is the main way people will see that Jesus is truly for real. The church is the high definition picture to our world of what it's like to be with God.
Look back over the different virtues and practices mentioned in this passage. Pick one or several and consider how they might be further encouraged and developed within your own life and within the life of our church community.
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