Put on Love.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive what grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as member of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:12

I read this verse this morning and was really challenged by so many aspects of it. In this passage Paul is specifically talking to us a believers. He's addresses believers in how we should act and treat another believer. That we should be in unity with one another, there should be no division among the church. 

If there is division there and we can not reconcile how can we expect to reach a fallen world around us? How can we reach others that do not know Christ when we are in discord with our fellow believers. 

If you are living and breathing on this earth I am sure at some point you have come to a disagreement with a fellow believer over something or another. Right?! Christ calls us to a higher standard to forgive one another, work past our grievances and "put on love."

I especially love that line. Put on love. What does that mean? 

Instead of being offended so quickly, put on love.

Instead of jumping to conclusions, put on love.

Instead of judgements, put on love.

When we aren't sure what to do next, put on love.

When we don't know what to say, put on love.

When we don't know how to move on, put on love.

Love one another because Christ first loved us. Forgive because he first forgave us. 

And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 4:17

This is a challenge for my own heart this week. To constantly come back to this place of putting on love even when I do not feel like it or exactly know how. Because as a believer that's what Christ has called me to do.