Daily Encouragement - October 12

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which  indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In the midst of all that seems quite chaotic, let’s explore some possible applications for the above verses from Colossian. The word bind is also the Greek word for ligaments. Paul knew how important ligaments are in the human body, and he knew that the bindings in the body of Christ are made of love. If these ligaments of love are in good shape, we as part of the church can do amazing things, but if they are out of whack, there’s trouble. Paul challenges us with the words: "Set your minds not on the temptations of this world, but on the joy of life with Christ, a life in which we are free to enjoy boundless compassion, kindness, love, peace and gratitude. We can do this because we have been given a new and abundant life that is safe and secure and hidden with Christ in God. God wants us to enjoy the glorious freedom of the children of God; freedom to live in the boundless Christian love that "binds everything together in perfect harmony". In the midst of conflicting spin, opinions, denial that the other side may have something worthwhile to consider, and the like, we are called to a higher place that is based upon how we express our love for each other, because we are in the body of Christ. Can we disagree, of course? Can we consider carefully what matters in the long run, I think so. I think we can be bound in ways that encourage us all to do everything we do in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God through Him. Walk with Me Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has planned where love sines through. And when you share your faith with me and work for life made new, the witness of your faithfulness calls me to walk with you. Lord God, help us to bind our lives with the Love you have shown us in Jesus your Son. As the Apostle Paul has suggested, help us keep our eye on the prize, and not be distracted by the limits of this world and its values. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Pastor David