Burdened

I am and have been for some time burdened with what I see in the body of Christ these days. This one verse sets the tone and context for what I will share and what we must aspire and reach for.

"Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as The Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all put on love, the perfect bond of unity." Colossians 3:12-14

There is a genuine lack of all of these characteristics, virtues, and qualities in much of the way we interact with one another today in the body of Christ. A lot of time is spent criticizing one another, or cursing a brother under ones breath. How sad and arrogant of us to think that we are better or more spiritual that another. God forbid that we should boast in anything but the cross. We are all saved from the same "dung" pile. The royal mess that we were in, some still live in, even after claiming Christ. It is simple friends. Love God, and prove your love for God by the way you love one another. Do not be deceived, God knows our intentions, thoughts, and actions. Would it not be more fitting for us to bend over backwards, sideways, and upside down if needed to preserve love and unity? Would this lost and bitter world not be more drawn to the fragrance of life in Christ, if we His people truly shined love like the stars in the heavens?

We must set out hearts higher and go further in the grace of God to love people the way He destined and created us to love. We don't have to be efficient. This is about the quality of love, not the quantity of how much we can do. Start over today, start fresh at ground zero. Examine your heart before you step out of your front door. Allow the Holy Spirit to blow His love over you again son or daughter, so you will blow His love over one another in such grace, love, kindness, humility, and sacrifice.