9 September 2021

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:12-17, (NRSV)

In today’s short reading, Paul sums up the attributes needed for living as a Christian community. He begins by reminding the Colossians that they have been chosen by God and as such there are expectations of their behaviour and their treatment of one another. Having listed several individual qualities, Paul reminds them that love is the most important since from it stem all the others. Paul wanted this to be a community where all could live in peace with no rivalry or enmity.

• • How easy would it have been for the Colossians to live up to Paul’s instruction?
  • Does Paul’s instruction still apply to Christian communities? 

As you go about your daily business, be mindful of the qualities that Paul lists and try to put them into practice.