Love Them Like Jesus

Read Colossians 3:18-25

I find it interesting that quote Bible verses from scripture and quote them as our favorites or "life verses" but then when (or if) we go into the context the verse takes on its original intent. Many know Colossians 3:23 which reads - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Now I can quote this verse and apply it to so many different areas of my life. But the original context requires us to go back to at least verse 18 where we're told Paul is writing to the Colossians and specifically addressing different individuals.

First he begins with wives and says to submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Notice he's not saying all women are to submit to all men. Specifically he's speaking to wives. And submission isn't to be seen as a negative thing here. It's to be seen as something that is fitting in the Lord. In other words, submission is something God approves. But husbands don't miss your responsibility, you are to love your wives. Show me a wife who has a husband who loves her (especially one who loves her like Jesus loves her) and we'll see a marriage that glorifies God. Children are to obey. Obedience is always easier when it's required of someone else. But children are called to obey their parents in everything. The question is why? That's not an unusual question is it? Why? Paul answers, because it pleases the Lord. And then fathers are not to embitter their children, again a call against being harsh so that they will not become discouraged. And finally Paul says to slaves obey with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

All these relationships are to be holy relationships. Relationships that are fitting in the Lord, loving as the Lord loves, pleasing to the lord and out of respect to our Holy Father. Listen not many of us go through life without difficulties in our relationships. But God calls us, His followers, to relate with one another differently than the world relates with one another. We're called to do whatever it takes, with all our heart when it comes to our relationships with one another in this life. And God promises something in verse 24 - since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Anyone having difficulties in a relationship? Paul tells us it's Christ we are serving when we are relating in the holy ways mentioned earlier. Don't miss that. The way we live with one another and the way we love one another shows the reality of Christ that lives within us. It's been said many times that if it weren't for the people life would be easy. Have you heard that? Well, it's true. And God knows this. But He instructs and inspires us to be different in how we relate with people. We're to be men and women who understand our life isn't about us. It's first about God, then about others and after this it's then about us. We're to glorify God with our lives and we're to treat everyone we lock eyes with just as Christ would. Love them like Jesus.