Colossians 3:14-17
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. – Colossians 3:17
Click to read passage
In the passage we read earlier this week, Paul reminded us that as believers, we have “put on the new self” (v.10). Our identity is no longer based on background, personality, age, culture, or achievements, but on Christ alone. Because we now belong to Jesus, we are also called to a new way of living together. In verses 14–17, Paul shows us what this new life should look like within the church community, Christ’s new humanity.
First, Paul says: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (v.14) Every church consists of people with different backgrounds, personalities, preferences, opinions, and spiritual maturity. Some may be naturally outspoken, while others are quieter. Some may prefer familiar traditions while others welcome change more easily. Some connect easily in fellowship, while others may take more time to open up.
But Paul reminds us that love is what holds God’s people together despite the differences. Without love, these differences can easily become sources of misunderstanding, frustration, or distance. Christian love is not merely being friendly with people we are comfortable with. It is choosing to patiently forgive, understand, and walk together, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, because Christ has first loved us and forgiven us. Love allows the church to remain united even when we are different.
Paul then says: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (v.15) The peace Paul speaks about here is not simply inner peace or personal calmness. It is the peace that Christ has already established through the cross, bringing us into one body.
This means that within the church, we should not allow bitterness, coldness, comparison, or hidden resentment to take root in our hearts. Instead, Christ’s peace should rule in our hearts , guiding how we speak, serve, disagree, and relate to one another. In every church family, misunderstandings and tensions will occasionally arise because we are still sinful and imperfect people. Yet Paul reminds us that we are “members of one body.” We are not competitors, separate groups, or isolated individuals. We belong to Christ, and therefore we belong to one another.
Paul also encourages us to let “the message of Christ dwell among you richly” (v.16). As God’s people gather to worship, study Scripture, sing, pray, and encourage one another, Christ’s Word shapes the life of the church. A spiritually healthy church is not built merely on activities or programmes, but on hearts continually formed and renewed by the Word of God.
Finally, Paul says: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (v.17) Whether in serving, fellowshipping. witnessing, encouraging, or resolving differences, everything we do should reflect the character of Jesus. The church is called to be a visible testimony of Christ’s love and peace to the world around us.
May FMC continue to grow not merely in numbers or activities, but in genuine Christlike unity. May we learn to love one another deeply, allow the peace of Christ to rule among us, and build one another up through His Word. May we also Glow with His love for others.
Reflection:
How am I contributing to strengthening the unity, peace, and love within FMC? Is there anyone in church whom I need to understand, forgive, encourage, or walk alongside more intentionally?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for making us one family in Christ. Teach us to love one another sincerely and to let the peace of Christ rule within our community. Guard our church from division, misunderstanding, and selfishness. Let Your Word dwell richly among us, so that FMC may continue to grow as a Christ-centred and grace-filled spiritual family. May all that we say and do reflect the name of Jesus. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
In the passage we read earlier this week, Paul reminded us that as believers, we have “put on the new self” (v.10). Our identity is no longer based on background, personality, age, culture, or achievements, but on Christ alone. Because we now belong to Jesus, we are also called to a new way of living together. In verses 14–17, Paul shows us what this new life should look like within the church community, Christ’s new humanity.
First, Paul says: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (v.14) Every church consists of people with different backgrounds, personalities, preferences, opinions, and spiritual maturity. Some may be naturally outspoken, while others are quieter. Some may prefer familiar traditions while others welcome change more easily. Some connect easily in fellowship, while others may take more time to open up.
But Paul reminds us that love is what holds God’s people together despite the differences. Without love, these differences can easily become sources of misunderstanding, frustration, or distance. Christian love is not merely being friendly with people we are comfortable with. It is choosing to patiently forgive, understand, and walk together, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, because Christ has first loved us and forgiven us. Love allows the church to remain united even when we are different.
Paul then says: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (v.15) The peace Paul speaks about here is not simply inner peace or personal calmness. It is the peace that Christ has already established through the cross, bringing us into one body.
This means that within the church, we should not allow bitterness, coldness, comparison, or hidden resentment to take root in our hearts. Instead, Christ’s peace should rule in our hearts , guiding how we speak, serve, disagree, and relate to one another. In every church family, misunderstandings and tensions will occasionally arise because we are still sinful and imperfect people. Yet Paul reminds us that we are “members of one body.” We are not competitors, separate groups, or isolated individuals. We belong to Christ, and therefore we belong to one another.
Paul also encourages us to let “the message of Christ dwell among you richly” (v.16). As God’s people gather to worship, study Scripture, sing, pray, and encourage one another, Christ’s Word shapes the life of the church. A spiritually healthy church is not built merely on activities or programmes, but on hearts continually formed and renewed by the Word of God.
Finally, Paul says: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (v.17) Whether in serving, fellowshipping. witnessing, encouraging, or resolving differences, everything we do should reflect the character of Jesus. The church is called to be a visible testimony of Christ’s love and peace to the world around us.
May FMC continue to grow not merely in numbers or activities, but in genuine Christlike unity. May we learn to love one another deeply, allow the peace of Christ to rule among us, and build one another up through His Word. May we also Glow with His love for others.
Reflection:
How am I contributing to strengthening the unity, peace, and love within FMC? Is there anyone in church whom I need to understand, forgive, encourage, or walk alongside more intentionally?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for making us one family in Christ. Teach us to love one another sincerely and to let the peace of Christ rule within our community. Guard our church from division, misunderstanding, and selfishness. Let Your Word dwell richly among us, so that FMC may continue to grow as a Christ-centred and grace-filled spiritual family. May all that we say and do reflect the name of Jesus. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.