Read Colossians 3:1-17
God created us for a relationship with him. We have learned that he is a God who loves us and who cares about us. He is faithful to us and wants us to experience peace, but because we all fall short of perfection (Romans 3:23), we aren’t able to spend eternity with him. Thankfully, God had a greater plan. He sent his son Jesus to pay for the messes in our lives (2 Corinthians 5:21) and we are able to spend eternity with our Father in Heaven. We are forgiven because of the sacrifice Jesus has made for us.
After Jesus’ resurrection, Paul wrote to the people of the church in Colossae, he instructed them to forgive others as Jesus’ sacrifice has forgiven us. He reminds us to let “the peace that comes from Christ rule” in our hearts and to always be thankful (v 15) and instructs us to become like our forgiving Creator (v10). God wants so badly to care for us and for us to know peace that he sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins. That is love. “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God isn’t saying every day will be easy. But he is promising to be a god of love, of faithfulness, of peace, of care and of forgiveness.
Prayer Time
- Take a moment to write down 3 things you’re grateful God has forgiven you for and thank God for them.
- Have you experienced God’s forgiveness through Jesus? We would love to encourage you on your faith journey. Start by reading LCBC’s Trusting Jesus information and contact us so we can begin a conversation with you!.
- As God has forgiven us, Paul instructs us to “make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends” us (v 13). Who do you need to forgive today? Ask God to review your heart and speak to you if you have any hard feelings towards anyone that needs forgiveness.
- Paul reminds us to let the message of Christ fill our lives and to sing songs to God with thankful hearts (v 16). Take a moment today to thank God for Jesus and for the opportunity we have to spend eternity with him.