Our Scripture reading today is Colossians 3:12-15.
Verse 12, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"
Life is made of many relationships. God desires to have a relationship with each of us. He made it possible for a sinner like me to have a relationship and even fellowship with Him. Romans 5:10, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." The character qualities we read about this morning are needed if we are going to have God honouring relationships.
How do you treat people? How do you treat those in your family? How do you treat your co-workers and or neighbours? We need to see the help of God's Spirit in displaying these qualities in every relationship whether they be intimate or not. Regardless of how we are treated, we should take the lead in building quality relationships. “It is most significant to note that every one of the graces listed has to do with personal relationships between man and man. There is no mention of virtues like efficiency or cleverness, not even of diligence or industry — not that these things are unimportant. But the great basic Christian virtues are those which govern human relationships.” (Barclay)
Matthew 7:12, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."