Today’s new testament reading from 3 Colossians is an inspired word for today.
You see, I think we are in a crucial week. Mind you, you might say, all weeks are. Yes- maybe - certainly extraordinary times - new uncharted territory… But this week somehow is the first ordinary week. We have had the drama of Passion week and the joy of Easter week. Now we settle back, life goes on, we may not even be halfway through the lockdown, and there is still uncertainty.
We are wondering what life will be like. We will never go back to the old ways – life will be changed – let us keep the many good things we a now doing.
So God’s wardrobe has something to say.
“Therefore, as God’s people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity”.
Imagine a community of people showing each other compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love. How different and wonderful. New hope born, now stability in the making…
And note, too, the self-awareness. “Forgive as the Lord forgave you”, Paul says. There is no persona or pretence here. Only a real person – being true to themselves – understands the depth of God’s love, forgiveness and grace given to them. This is genuine, authentic living. So, we are bound together in our gratitude and love.
As the reading continues:
“let the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts. Praise him. Encourage, keep an eye on each other, and be thankful.”
AMEN
Nigel
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