24 Aug September 6 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

THE PREEMINENT VIRTUE IS LOVE

Colossians 3:14  “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Remember the long list of virtues in Tuesday’s devotional thought.  There are so many to choose from, aren’t there?  St. Paul, here in Colossians 3:14 says, of that entire list there is one that stands above all the others.  It is love.

The love St. Paul writes about here in this verse is not some emotional thing.  It is not merely saying the words or sending a Hallmark card or giving a gift on a person’s birthday or anniversary.  The love he writes about includes sacrifice of self in order to serve the one loved.  It is thinking only of the needs of the one loved, putting your own needs out of sight and mind.  It is like a bottomless bucket that will always be full no matter how much the one you love takes out of it. For those of you familiar with the Greek words for love it is agape.

The description of this love bears repeating, quoting Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 13 just a few days ago, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”  In all instances in these verses the Greek word is agape.

Jesus left heaven, came to earth knowing He would suffer great humiliation, great pain and finally death because of His love (agape) for you.  Jesus prayed His Father would forgive all whose sins put Him on the cross because of His love.  Out of His love for you Jesus ministers to you as your Good Shepherd leading you to “green pastures and quiet waters.”  As that Shepherd, He loves you so that He goes with you even into the “valley of death.”  (read Palm 23 for the full description of how Jesus serves you as your Good Shepherd.)

In today’s devotional verse this is the love St. Paul urges you to put on daily.

Prayer:  Even as You Jesus have loved me, help me to love all others, even my enemies.  In Your holy name.  Amen.

Love in Christ is strong and living, Binding faithful hearts in one;

Love in Christ is true and giving, May His will in us be done.

Love is patient and forbearing, Clothed in Christ’s humility.

Clothed in Christ’s humility.  Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring, Reaching out in charity.

Love in Christ abides forever.  Fainting not when i9lls attend;

Love, for giving and forgiven, Shall endure until life’s end.

(LSB 706)