Day Thirteen
Colossians 3:12 - 14
As the chosen of God, then, the holy people whom he loves, you are to be clothed in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other if one of you has a complaint against another. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, put on love, the perfect bond.
Reflection
God loves us and calls us to love one another. Love is like an outer garment which covers over all the other virtues we are called to exercise. We are the chosen people of God and must reflect the love and goodness of God to others. Forgiveness is not an option for a believer in Christ: it is our sacred duty to forgive those who have hurt us, even in serious ways.
As God has forgiven us, we are to forgive others. Love "binds together" the virtues St. Paul lists: compassion, generosity, humility, gentleness and patience. Love is like the chain that holds a group of precious stones together: if we remove the chain, the stones will fall away from each other and the necklace will be destroyed. Love is not complicated: it requires an act of the will on our part: to willingly choose to please God rather than offend Him by sin; to choose to be patient, etc., with others rather than seeking revenge.
Prayer
God of love, help me always to love you in my every thought, word and action and to relfect your love to all those whom I meet, even those who have hurt me. May I be a living example of your merciful love to the world and draw others to your kingdom, by the power of your grace working in me.
Amen.
