“But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices 10 and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.” Colossians 3:10 NET
“You must put away all bitterness, anger, wrath, quarrelling, and slanderous talk—indeed all malice. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NET
God of wisdom,
I have just noticed in reading Colossians 3:10 that the verse written to that church is very similar to the one in the letter to the Ephesians. Which was last Tuesday’s verse. Why am I surprised? We all need reminding to watch ourselves and recognise when anything dubious in thought starts to move into behaviour! To the Ephesians you remind them to put kindness in place of bitterness, anger etc. To the Colossians you reminded them that as a new man, person, to put off anger rage etc and behave as we are dressed – as Christ. Renewed in knowledge? Wisdom?
Ephesus was a wealthy, important harbour and full of philosophers, thinkers and all manner of educated people. Paul called them not think but to do deeds of kindness.
Colossians was equally an important city because it was on a main trade route and they made their famous red wool. Visitors trade was recognised often by how they dressed and what they traded in. You called them to be wise, put off all malice, great and small, and to be clothed and renewed in knowledge of Jesus. To show Jesus by their behaviour. Jesus who was the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1 :15). To be renewed in the knowledge of Jesus.
It is not just putting off or out of ourselves un Christlike behaviour where it tries to sneak in, but letting You constantly revive us, make us new, restore us. And help us react with kindness. Have Your way Lord today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of wisdom,
For our family and friends and neighbours. We pray for their good and good relationships.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Fellowship and good relationships.
For the royal family. To know how to balance family, health and work.
For our Government. For our nations decision makers, wisdom to make godly laws.
For Ukraine, to stay free and humble Russia to desire peace and withdraw from war.
For Gaza, empower talks towards next step and humble all those in talks for peace.
For those whose calling is to listen. Help lines, doctors, counsellors, friends, family.
For teachers, tutors, carers, parents and nurses longsuffering and patience.
For those who struggle with temper and poor mental health. Your love and power to change.
For us to experience Your inner calm and forgiveness and lay down all ill will and annoyances. .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 16th May 2024
Sometimes we just need to keep it simple, as a little child (Matthew 18:3)
I wanna be like Jesus
Think like Jesus
Do what He would do
In every way, everywhere, every day
Let His love and grace shine through.
I wanna be like Jesus
So that Jesus
Will be seen in me
Father help me be like Jesus.