VICTORY IN LOVE
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14, NLT
Theme: When managing the tension between judgment and love, remember to prioritize and first wrap yourself in love.
THE 5:1 RATIO
One of my husband’s favorite things is getting to lead engaged couples through premarital counseling. We were able to teach some together before we had kids, and one of the principles I still often think of is what psychologists call “the magic relationship ratio.” Essentially it says that, for every one negative interaction in a relationship, there must be at least five positive interactions for the relationship to stay healthy.
At first that may sound like an excessive amount, but we can clearly see how God’s Word and science line up in “the magic relationship ratio” (Colossians 4:6). Whether it’s a marriage relationship, coworker, boss, friend, teacher, or family member, any negative interaction we need to breach must be completely surrounded in love for harmony to remain.
LOVE IN THE CHURCH
Chapter three of Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae paints a beautiful picture of how we are to live and interact with each other as believers. Paul moves the church through being “raised to new life with Christ,” putting to death our sins, clothing ourselves “with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” and ultimately clothing ourselves in love, “which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” I love this chapter because Paul gracefully guides us through the areas we so often find as tension points – namely the need for a Savior and dealing with our sin. Paul doesn’t ignore our spiritual lack or our sin, but his attitude of love towards the believers is tangibly felt in his writing. In the same way, we are able to help our brothers and sisters in Christ through a sin, but only if we have relational equity with them that is built through love.
Make It Personal: What relationship in your life needs some extra love poured into it right now? Whether it’s a simple thank-you, a kiss before they leave, a word of encouragement, or even an apology, let’s make it a goal to incorporate both big and small acts of love into our relationships this week.
Pray: God, thank You for being the ultimate example of both love and truth in our lives. You loved us enough to send Jesus to die for us. Thank You for providing a way to pull us out of our sin. Help me to show that same love to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Colossians 3:1-17, Colossians 4:6
Weekly Memory Verse: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Galatians 6:1, ESV