And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Colossians 3:14 — King James Version Bible
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Matthew 24:12 — King James Version
And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity
Colossians 3:14 — Berean Study Bible
Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
Matthew 24:12 — Berean Study Bible
And with all these things, love, which is the bond of perfection
Colossians 3:14 — Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And because of the abundance of evil, the love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 24:12 — Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Matthew Henry Commentary
Colossians 3:12-17 We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his working in all who are his. Thanksgiving to God, helps to make us agreeable to all men. The gospel is the word of Christ. Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no power over them. The soul prospers, when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ. But when we sing psalms, we must be affected with what we sing. Whatever we are employed about, let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on him. Those who do all in Christ’s name, will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Matthew 24:4-28 The disciples had asked concerning the times, When these things should be? Christ gave them no answer to that; but they had also asked, What shall be the sign? This question he answers fully. The prophecy first respects events near at hand, the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the Jewish church and state, the calling of the Gentiles, and the setting up of Christ’s kingdom in the world; but it also looks to the general judgment; and toward the close, points more particularly to the latter. What Christ here said to his disciples, tended more to promote caution than to satisfy their curiosity; more to prepare them for the events that should happen, than to give a distinct idea of the events. This is that good understanding of the times which all should covet, thence to infer what Israel ought to do. Our Saviour cautions his disciples to stand on their guard against false teachers. And he foretells wars and great commotions among nations. From the time that the Jews rejected Christ, and he left their house desolate, the sword never departed from them. See what comes of refusing the gospel. Those who will not hear the messengers of peace, shall be made to hear the messengers of war. But where the heart is fixed, trusting in God, it is kept in peace, and is not afraid. It is against the mind of Christ, that his people should have troubled hearts, even in troublous times. When we looked forward to the eternity of misery that is before the obstinate refusers of Christ and his gospel, we may truly say, The greatest earthly judgments are but the beginning of sorrows. It is comforting that some shall endure even to the end. Our Lord foretells the preaching of the gospel in all the world. The end of the world shall not be till the gospel has done its work. Christ foretells the ruin coming upon the people of the Jews; and what he said here, would be of use to his disciples, for their conduct and for their comfort. If God opens a door of escape, we ought to make our escape, otherwise we do not trust God, but tempt him. It becomes Christ’s disciples, in times of public trouble, to be much in prayer: that is never out of season, but in a special manner seasonable when we are distressed on every side. Though we must take what God sends, yet we may pray against sufferings; and it is very trying to a good man, to be taken by any work of necessity from the solemn service and worship of God on the sabbath day. But here is one word of comfort, that for the elect’s sake these days shall be made shorter than their enemies designed, who would have cut all off, if God, who used these foes to serve his own purpose, had not set bounds to their wrath. Christ foretells the rapid spreading of the gospel in the world. It is plainly seen as the lightning. Christ preached his gospel openly. The Romans were like an eagle, and the ensign of their armies was an eagle. When a people, by their sin, make themselves as loathsome carcasses, nothing can be expected but that God should send enemies to destroy them. It is very applicable to the day of judgment, the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in that day, 2Th 2:1. Let us give diligence to make our calling and election sure; then may we know that no enemy or deceiver shall ever prevail against us.
Study Bible
Putting on the New Self
…13Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.…
Cross References
I in them and You in Me–that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.
Ephesians 4:3
and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 5:2
and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,
1 John 3:10
By this the children of God and the children of the devil can be distinguished: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
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Thoughts on Today’s Verse
Author Unknown — no name or credit given on “Knowing Jesus” website which is the source of this reprinted material:
What an amazing privilege it is to be a new creation in Christ.. forgiven of our sin, loved by the Lord, accepted in the Beloved, heirs of God and joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus.. and Paul lays out in no uncertain terms, our duty and delight towards the preeminent Christ – Who is our life.
As believers we have been placed in union with Christ and imputed with His own righteousness and Paul sketches out a brief outline of the main characteristics and distinctive features. which should be manifest in the life of all who have trusted Christ.. for the salvation of their soul and life everlasting.
As Christ’s spiritual seed we are instructed to put off the old man, with all its sinful lusts and unholy propensities.. and put on the new, for we died with Christ and have been raised-up into newness of life in Him. How precious to realise that our new life is hidden with Christ in God and that the day is coming when we will be with Him in heavenly glory as well as in character and conduct.
Having listed the ungodly characteristic that should not be exhibited in a Christian’s life, Paul continues to list the different fruit of the Spirit, which should be manifested in the life of all those who walk in spirit and truth. But although we are called to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and long-suffering, where gracious consideration and genuine forgiveness of others are identified as vital qualities of the believer – it is love ruling the heart and peace protecting the soul that is given the main emphasis here. But above ALL, put on love which binds these things together the unity of the Spirit – and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Love is the quality that binds all godly characteristics together in Christ. Love is the preeminent fruit of the Spirit from which all other virtues flow. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things – love never fails in God’s economy. Other virtues may be manifest and different gifts may have been bestowed on a believer.. but if godly love is lacking then the Christian character is deeply flawed.
Love is not the sugary emotion that coats the world’s understanding of this godly quality. True love is firmly secured to a committed affection and respect for the Person, Character and Work of God and a wholehearted desire for the well-being of others. Love places God at the center and circumference of our lives and gives Him the honour and respect that is due to His holy name. And the inflow of God’s love into the life of a spiritual believer is transferred into an outflow of that love to others – in a bond of unity and peace – and such is manifested in life who is walking in spirit and truth.
Love cannot be taught or acquired through study – nor can it be worked up in our emotions or rooted in any romantic feelings. Godly love flows into our very being from the God of love Himself – and that same love of Christ is poured out from us into the lives of others.. for His honour and glory.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved the world so much that You sent Your Son to be the propitiation for my sin. I pray that in all things I too may put on godly love… and become a conduit of Your love flowing out to others in the bond of unity and peace – to Your honour and glory.. in Jesus name I pray, AMEN
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