Colossians 3:12-14 Love and Relationships

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. [Colossians 3:12-14 NASB]

Today's passage - and the rest of this chapter - is about relationships, specifically among Christians. 

We are told to have a heart of compassion. He is not talking about a passive emotion, but active mercy. John says;

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? [1 John 3:17 NASB]

We are to show kindness and humility. Not the humility of the Pharisees, but true humility that considers others as more important than you. This is the humility that Jesus modeled. Even thought He is God;

but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [Philippians 2:7-8 NASB]

We are called to gentleness and patience, bearing with one another - which is showing tolerance for one another. Paul said;

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. [Romans 15:1 NASB]

Be patient with the shortcomings of others. 

And forgive each other. Has a fellow believer offended you, or wronged you in any way? Forgive him. Paul told the believers in Corinth;

Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? [1 Corinthians 6:7 NASB]

Our American culture tells us to defend our rights. We say "I will not be a doormat for anyone." But the Bible says (and I paraphrase), "Be a doormat for Christ."

All of these things are wrapped up in the single concept of love.

Love is not the sappy romantic emotion you see in movies. There is no such thing as "love at first sight." What most people define as love is actually infatuation. But it doesn't sound as romantic to say "infatuation at first sight." Even if it is more accurate.

As unromantic as it sounds, the Biblical definition of love is the conscious decision to place the needs of another above yourself. God placed our needs above His own when He gave His son;

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. [John 3:16 NASB]

If we apply this Biblical definition of love to all of our relationships, we will have peace.

Father, I know that – in the natural – I do not have the capacity to love as You do. Please allow the fruit of Spirit to grow in me, and give me the grace to love as You do.