Clothed In Love

Colossians 3:12-15

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14)

DIETRICH BONHOEFFER WROTE IN Life Together that the community of Christian believers is first and foremost a “community of love”—that our singular focus on Jesus produces a sort of spiritual chemistry that binds us together and cultivates the attributes of our Lord, with love at the center. That kind of bond is clearly what Jesus had in mind when he told his followers that they would be known by their love (John 13:35). If followers of Jesus are known primarily for something else, we have a problem. The defining nature of our fellowship was always meant to be the love of the Father, Son, and Spirit in our midst.

The fact that Christians are known for so many other things does, in fact, present a problem, but it is not an insurmountable one. It simply requires some shifts in focus—away from each other’s faults and onto each other’s value; away from our own fulfillment and onto the fulfillment of those around us; away from self and onto Christ. These are not easy shifts, but neither are they complicated. They will require a different perspective, a different mind-set, a different motivation from within. Or as Paul wrote, a different set of clothes.

“Above all,” Paul emphasized, we should take care to clothe ourselves in Jesus. We may think of this as important primarily in our relationship with those who do not yet believe, but Scripture’s focus is on representing him within the fellowship. Not only is our unity as believers at stake; so is our reputation in this world. Jesus made that clear.

Whatever that looks like for you practically—radical forgiveness (verse 13) or uncommon peace (verse 15)—make it happen. Prioritize it. But don’t just play a role; the way to become like Jesus is to immerse yourself in his presence. Soak in his words. Have lengthy conversations with the Father. As with two friends who have spent so much time together that they take on each other’s characteristics, let yourself be influenced by his nature. Let his love for people fill you to overflowing.

{Jesus, you are the center of my life and the life of every other believer—whether we treat you that way or not. May our focus on you and our experience of your love increase. Let us become known for our love, just as you promised. Amen.