"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:12-14)The Apostles Paul and Timothy were speaking to the brothers in Christ in Colosse. But, as I was reading that chapter, my thoughts were centered around the family. What a different world it would be if we would practice these virtues within our own homes. As our lives were changed by this love from our family members, it would overflow to how we treated others whom we came in contact with outside our homes, creating a viral affect throughout the world. Imagine that!
You know, that is the example Jesus left with us. But few practice this congeniality - just plain common courtesy. You may say, "Well, I want to relax and be myself at home." But home is where it all starts. Unless we show true love to our family, they may never feel the wonderful joy of the virtues of compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience. These are the ingredients of real love ... real Christian love. The very best place to show it is with our family, then it will go out into the world as a light in the darkness.
Is your lamp under a bushel basket? Let the goodness of God shine through you as you go about your daily life. It will be seen and felt by others.
To God be all glory!
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