It Starts Small

¹¹ Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

Colossians 3:11-15

In this powerful passage, we embark on a profound exploration of what it truly means to be reborn in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we discover that believers are transformed into vibrant new creations. The old ways have vanished, and the new has boldly arrived! Are you still holding on to the old version of yourself? Can those who know you best see a remarkable change in your life compared to before? Is there indeed a radiant new you waiting to be unveiled?

As we dive into the forthcoming passage, we discover that a believer is much more than just an individual wearing a new outfit. A believer is destined for a radical transformation from the inside out. He is destined for a radical transformation from the inside out! Our relationship with Christ is meant to revolutionize who we are, dictate what we do, and reshape how we think. God desires us to be vibrant, well-rounded, and wholeheartedly obedient to Him in every aspect of our lives. Just imagine the breathtaking impact on the church! This would happen if believers truly embodied the high standards Paul sets forth in this passage. Picture the incredible version of yourself that could emerge. Envision the profound changes that could unfold in your family! God does not intend for us to merely shuffle through this world, resigned to mediocrity. No! He wants us to soar like eagles. We should be energized by His strength. He wants us to interact with those around us in the most uplifting and loving ways imaginable!

but Christ is all, and is in all.

No matter who you were before embracing Christ, you can be forgiven! In the Bible, we encounter the amazing stories of murderers like Moses, drunkards like Noah, adulterers like David, fornicators like Samson, liars like Peter, cowards like Elijah, and swindlers like Jacob—all forgiven and cherished by God. Each of us has the incredible opportunity to be made whole in Christ, no matter our past! Yet, we must remember that these sins can no longer define us. We are called to be transformed! Is Christ at the forefront of your home? Is He the very center of your heart? Does He mean everything to you? Are you focusing your thoughts on heaven or getting lost in earthly distractions? Now is the moment to prioritize Christ before another day slips away!

There is a profound truth that resonates within us: there is no distinction among believers! Each of us has been graced with God’s boundless mercy. You are not elevated above any other believer; rather, we are all equal in His eyes. Embrace others as cherished co-heirs with Christ. Do not be like the older brother who coldly condemned his younger sibling. This was upon his return to their father in the powerful narrative of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

God’s chosen people

All believers are divinely chosen by God! This incredible relationship with Him empowers us to embrace the profound characteristics He desires for us. These are not mere actions we can achieve through willpower alone; rather, it is His grace that enables us! His choice of us ignites a fire within, driving us toward a life of purpose and passion. Without Him, we stand as lost sinners, hopeless and adrift. Yet, through His magnificent choice, we are transformed into beloved sons and daughters, seated at His table of grace. Through Him, we are made holy; we are enveloped in His love. Everything we are and possess is a gift from Him. That truth should fill our hearts with a fervent desire to live boldly for Him!

clothe yourselves 

All of these incredible character qualities are not mere external behaviors. They are not a simple switch to flip whenever it suits us. Our very hearts must undergo a profound renewal! These qualities must erupt from a heart that is in harmony with God, radiating from the inside, not the outside. How do we don such a heart? This is not a trivial procedure; it’s nothing short of major surgery! We are in desperate need of a heart transplant. David understood this deeply and fervently prayed for it (Psalms 51:10-12).

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51:10-12

For us, a single heart transplant simply won’t suffice. Some transplant recipients must commit to daily medications for life. This commitment prevents organ rejection. Similarly, our very being struggles against this new heart we’ve embraced. We must actively seek the right “medication”—the experiences, emotions, and love that invigorate and renew our passionate spirit.

From time to time we need a spiritual health check. That is what this passage is.

Immerse yourself in these powerful verses (12-17) and passionately jot down every character quality that Paul so fervently discusses. Then, take a few moments to reflect on your own “performance” in these vital areas. For each quality, courageously write down any recent failures you’ve encountered. Lastly, for each area, articulate a heartfelt sentence on how you aspire to grow.

For each quality discuss the following questions:

What does it truly mean to embody this principle? Can you delve into examples, both uplifting and cautionary, of Biblical characters who either embraced or neglected this concept? What other scriptures echo these themes?

• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience
• Tolerance
• Forgiveness
• Love
• Peaceable
• Teaching/Admonishing/Sharing
• Gratitude

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Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 3:18
• Galatians 2:20
• Psalms 51:10-12
• Romans 12:5
• Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

• What do we learn from verse 11? How does this apply to the church today?
• What kind of relationship do we have with God according to verse 12?
• How can we “put on” a heart?
• Why does it refer to the heart instead of behavior?
• How are we to treat the people around us?
• Which of these areas do you most need to grow in?
• How can you start to change?
• Are you willing to share an example where you failed in any of these areas?
• How about a case where someone else showed one of these qualities toward you?
• What does it mean to bear with one another?
• Do you ever find it difficult to forgive others? Why?
• What is the reason given here for why we are commanded to forgive each other here?
• Why is love referred to as the perfect bond of unity?

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