Larry Reynolds, Denton, TX

Colossians 3:12-14 - "And, so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoevere has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity."

These verses list eight virtues which should characterize those who follow Christ. These virtues do not naturally exist inside of us. They actually run contrary to our basic human nature. We cannot produce them by human effort. These virtues are produced in us by the presence of God’s Spirit in our lives. Each of them is demonstrated in the life of Jesus and as we allow God to make us more like Jesus, then these virtues become evident in our lives as well.

LOVE – The final virtue, and the one that sums up the entire list, listed in these verses is “love.” Verse 14 says, “And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”  Virtually every word of that statement is filled with meaning. 

• "beyond all” means that love is the most important of the qualities listed in vv.12-14. It is the thing which makes everything else work. We will never be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forbearing, or forgiving if love for others s absent from our lives. 
• “put on” picks up on the image of changing clothes which was introduced in the previous paragraph. In verses 5-9 Paul lists some things we are to take off. In verses12-14 lists some things we are to put on. The outer garment, the one which everyone sees, should be love.  
• “love” doesn’t mean emotional sentimentality. It doesn’t mean merely having a warm feeling toward someone. It doesn’t mean merely returning the affection of those who are nice to us. Instead, it means intentionally doing what is best for others. It means living with the welfare of others at heart.  
• “perfect bond of unity” means it is love which keeps the fellowship of believers together. Where love is absent there is fragmentation, division, and strife. Where love is present there is unity, oneness of spirit, and peace.

For more detailed notes on Colossians go to http://www.larryreynolds.org-a.googlepages.com/home)