Read Colossians 3:12-17
Today there is great confusion as to the function of the church. Believers are often not quite sure what it is and what it is supposed to do. As far as the New Testament is concerned, a church is a worshipping community. Put in other words, the church is a fellowship of believers meeting with Jesus and recognizing his presence in their midst. Of course, we can perform this function using many different styles, from devotional to celebratory.
Our passage for study focuses on relationships within the church. It tells us how to get on together, and in doing that, it tells us something about church. Church is primarily a community, a fellowship of believers. Elsewhere Paul will call it "the body of Christ", a people "growing up into him who is the head, that is Christ." We are reminded how important it is to express this reality in our love for one another - that we realize body-life. And second, we see again the purpose of our coming together, that we meet with Christ, recognize him, worship him, that we hear him and praise him. This is the center from which the community will grow, the center from which love will flourish.
Prayer
Merciful God, weave the threads of our lives and our love in line with your design so that we are indeed clothed with your compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience - all of which were so fully revealed by Jesus. Strengthen us with the Holy Spirit so that whatever we do, in word and deed, we do in the name of Jesus, our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen
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