Not only is love a choice, but it something that can be put on, like a garment. Before we get into an argument, before someone cuts us off in traffic, before we get a migraine, or before we spill our morning coffee, we must have already put on love for the day.
Colossians 3:14-15 says,“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
This passage gives us helpful context clues as to how to put on love.
- Be thankful for the people around you.
- Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.
- Keep harmony with the body of Christ.
I rarely think about how many people contribute to the success of my life every day. Before I even get to work, my husband makes me a pot of coffee, and the other car let me get into the right lanes. At work, my coworkers answer their emails and do their jobs so I can do mine. The people I invite to give interviews on the radio show I work for say yes. Then, the grocery store clerk rings me up, and I go home to cook using the heating and gas system that other maintain. Truly, I can never be independent from those around me. And I should be grateful for how they enable to live a comfortable and quiet life.
Christ allows me to have peace about loving those around me. Because even when they don’t deserve it, I can remember how little I deserve the sacrifice of Jesus. Christ has redeemed me. So why wouldn’t I do everything I can to make sure that others get the same opportunity. That includes showing them love, whether they are in the body of believers or not. And when I maintain the peace of Christ, I am not so bothered by the little slights of others and the stress of minor problems that would otherwise upset me.
Keeping harmony with the body of Christ is crucial to putting on love. When we are aligned with the people of God, we can receive love from them and get filled up to pour it out again. Also, keeping harmony with the body of Christ reminds us that showing love is just as beneficial to us as others, because we are “one.”
Jesus has given us so much love. We can put it on everyday and live like he has called us to.