Colossians 3:14-17

Colossians 3:14-17 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

What a beautiful prayer! And it sounds like the words in the song “Love will keep us together.” That’s what Paul is talking about – love is the bond that makes it all work.

Where he says, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (some versions say “Let the peace of God be the decider within your heart.”) Anytime you are pulled in 2 different directions at the same time, when Christian charity is at war with unchristian irritation and annoyance, go with what Christ would want. If you accept His decisions, you can’t go wrong.

Notice the reference to singing. The Jews would often spend whole nights in hymns and songs and the early Christian church inherited this.

Paul ends this section by saying everything we do or say should be done in the name of Jesus. One of the best tests of any word is, “Can I speak it and the name of Jesus in the same breath?” “Can I speak it, knowing He will hear it?”