“Sept 30, 2024 - The Heart of Jesus”

Sunday, September 29, 2024

The Heart of Jesus

Reading:  Colossians 3:12-17
    
    Paul has discussed what Christians need to “put to death”(Col 3:5), but what should we pursue?  “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive”(Col 3:12-13).  “Compassionate hearts” seek to understand and care for those around us rather than viewing them as rivals or enemies.  “Humility” means that we are not thinking only of ourselves and do not insist on our own way.  Patience, forbearance, and forgiveness challenge us to mend relationships even when they are not ideal.  All of this is based on the character of Jesus and his willingness to forgive us.  “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony”(Col 3:14).  All this kindness is not done begrudgingly; Paul expects us to sincerely want the best for others.  It is this desire that is the true glue of relationships.

    But all of these changes radiate out from the heart of Jesus.  “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful”(Col 3:15).  Jesus embodied peace with God and with other people.  His conflicts were not a result of his own character flaws, but others’ disobedience.  We can be at peace like Jesus.  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God”(Col 3:16).  As his words “dwell in you richly,” they transform us.  We teach others and praise God because our hearts are full of Jesus’ teachings and example.  We are full of gratitude, joy, and love.  We share the heart of Jesus with others.

    Jesus’ way of dealing with people is legendary.  He was simultaneously warm and challenging, strong and kind, God-focused and others-focused.  Yet God wants us not merely to worship Jesus; he wants us to share his heart and engage with others in the same way.  It will do us no good to sit for decades in church pews if we do not learn to mirror his compassion, humility, patience, peace, and love as his word finds its home in our hearts.  

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One Thing to Think About: Am I like Jesus? 

One Thing to Pray For:   The word of Christ to dwell in me richly
 

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