As Christ forgave you
Today's focusGod's chosen and beloved people are to put on compassion, kindness, humility and patience, forgiving one another as Christ forgave them, and letting the peace of God rule in their hearts.
Read
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Reflection
As you prepare to cross over into a new year, this passage invites you to look at the clothing of your heart. You are described as "holy and beloved" by God. Because He has chosen you, you are encouraged to "put on" a new way of living with others. This means dressing yourself in "bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering." These qualities are not just feelings; they are the practical ways you relate to the people around you, especially when life is difficult.
The text acknowledges that you may "have a quarrel against any." Relationships can be strained, yet you are called to be "forbearing one another, and forgiving one another." The standard for this grace is high: you are to forgive "even as Christ forgave you." When you let "charity" and the "peace of God rule in your hearts," it acts as a bond that holds everything together. As you let go of old hurts and choose thankfulness, you find the peace you were called to as part of "one body."
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Is there someone you need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from, so that you do not carry bitterness into the new year?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you have forgiven me so much. Give me grace to forgive those who have hurt me this year, and humility to seek forgiveness where I have wronged others. Let your peace rule in my heart.