Living in the Resurrection

Colossians 3:1-4, 12-16a (GNT): Living in the Resurrection

You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!

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You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts.

St. Paul writes to the troubled, confused church of Colossae. Scholars say that Paul did not establish this church but felt responsible for it, especially since he heard that many false teachers demanded its members adhere to strict rites and rules including circumcision, dietary restrictions, and worship of “spiritual” authorities. Paul’s voice is authoritative and a clear reminder to these Christians about the true Good News of being alive in Christ. “You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits,” Paul says. He reminds the faithful, moreover, to look away from the things of the world that distract.

Faithful Christians, Paul reminds his readers, are a chosen people of God called to live in union with the risen Jesus Christ. And that union does not rely upon false, external practices. Instead, union with Christ evidences internal transformation -- a life built around the Christian foundation of love. Paul iterates this love with precision:

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.

The Christian life, a life living in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is grounded in the love for God and neighbor. It is a life of patience, peace, and forgiveness. It is a life of humble compassion and kindness. Living in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is living in tolerance and solidarity with all people of good will. It is a life of loving unity.

Paul reminds the church to live in peace with one another. He writes:

The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts.

Peace, a peace generated from the risen Christ, unifies. It is a guide to right choices. It is a peace that breeds appreciation and thanks. Christ’s peace, Paul reminds the church, is a message that enlivens our hearts and brings us closer to God and each other. It is the peace that only a life lived in the love of Jesus Christ can bring.

Loving God, help us to live authentic lives in union with your risen Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. And in that union, let our lives be filled with your peace so that we can be ambassadors of your love in this world. In Jesus Christ we pray, amen.

Have a blessed Easter!

Stan