School started back up for us this week and I really wasn’t ready.  However, 2 days in and it’s going well. We homeschool, and we have 2 children. Pretty small for a homeschooling family, but perfect for us. Nathaniel is in 11th grade (how is that possible), and Sophie is in 6th grade.  We typically try to have Bible time together during breakfast. That doesn’t always workout, but that is always the goal. With one kid in high school and the other just starting middle school the idea of homeschooling more subjects together has long since ended, sad. So, finding places in the schedule where we can come together is precious.

This week for Bible, the passage of scripture we have been studying comes out of Colossians chapter 3. Paul is talking to the church (Christians) and he makes a great declaration of who we should be to one another. I know in our house it is the people closest to us that get the worst expression of what we should be as Christians.

¹² Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³ Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.                                                                   ~Colossians 3:12-17 

It’s so easy to get frustrated with one another and point out each others wrongs, not giving “allowance for each other’s faults.” But the point I think we miss is that we first need to clothe ourselves with ” tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” above all, love. Once we’ve gotten ourselves properly dressed we can then show ourselves in the light God intended for us to walk in.

So, our focus this week will be start in our home, with the people we are around the most, and maybe for you, that’s your co-workers, showing grace when needed, being forgiving of each other’s faults, and being patient. When really we just want to be angry or frustrated and maybe say things we know will hurt those around us. I’m sure none of you can relate to that….

I, also, love the part of this passage that talks about teaching and counseling each other with the wisdom of God. I wonder how often we fall into just agreeing with what someone is saying versus using wisdom to shed light in a dark place. How many times have we just jumped on whatever bandwagon our friend is going down verses taking the opportunity to teach and counsel one another. No one is above needing gentle reminders of who they are and what God has to say about their circumstances and situations.

Here is the problem….I think we desire to be liked, at times, more that we desire to speak truth. There is a fine balance. Remember, first we have to be clothed properly so that when we open our mouths we are sharing wisdom and not some crazy thought or idea. Have you asked for wisdom? The Bible says if anyone lacks wisdom he/ she should ask AND it will be given. If you feel like you want to be that person people come to for wise advice, but you find yourself being the person they come to when they want to share some juicy bit of information about someone, ask God for wisdom. Start clothing yourself in the character of Christ and see if you don’t begin to be less of the “bandwagon” friend and more of the teaching – counseling kind of friend.

Remember, just like it says in verse 17 “whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus”