Perfect Harmony

For most people, this time of the year is a special time.  A time when you hopefully can join those you love most, with an expectancy in the air for love, peace, joy and thankfulness. 

But for others it can be a difficult and stressful time.  Maybe they have lost a loved one and suffer grief as they remember them.  Maybe they’re going through difficult times financially and the added pressure of gifts, etc. makes for a time of worry.  Maybe those times of loved ones getting together for one reason or another end up contentious rather than fun, loving and accepting.

As I was doing my Bible study this morning, a particular passage ministered to me and I want to share it with you, because I believe it addresses all of the things I’ve mentioned above – the positive and the negative.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.  Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”  (Colossians 3:12-17 NLT)

We should always strive to be thankful, to let peace from Christ rule in our hearts, to forgive others and let love bind us together.  This can all be accomplished if we “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.” 

We cannot allow ourselves to get so caught up in the materialism of this holiday, allowing it to be our primary focus.  The reality is – Jesus came to earth from His heavenly home, being born as a human (God existing with us), having the ultimate goal of saving all mankind by giving up His life.  We need to remember that message of Christ.  When we do that, then being tenderhearted, full of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience will become so much easier.   

This holiday season, seek that love – God’s love – that will result in that ultimate perfect harmony we all desire and need.

God bless you during this wonderful season!

Written by Karran Martin – December 14, 2023

[All bold emphasis is mine]