‘Put on therefore, as the elect [the chosen and called] of
God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies [hearts filled and overflowing with
grace, mercy, niceness, benevolence], kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness
[gentleness, graciousness], longsuffering; Forbearing [not criticising or
judging] one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel
against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do likewise to them. And
above all these things put on charity, [love] which is the bond [the strength and
unity] of perfectness.’ Colossians 3:12-14
‘He that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar
off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.’ 2Peter 1:9
It is impossible to maintain any fellowship with God if we
harbour grudges, unforgiveness, pride, unkindness, arrogance,
self-conceitedness, bitterness, in our hearts. No matter what excuse we might
use, these attitudes and dispositions of our carnal nature are hostile to the
Spirit of Christ and have no agreement with His great love with which He loved
us.
‘For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts.’ Matthew 15:19
So what is the remedy for these things that spoil our witness
and take away our peace and fellowship with God?
Keep yourself sweet in the love of
God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 21)
And we can only stay sweet and maintain our walk with God if
we bring our lives to this truth. 1John1:6-9
