Welcome to Day 140 of the “Manna for the Mind” devotional! This series is about finding nourishment in the Word of God to get us through the day. In each devotional, I take a variety of scripture passages (typically 1-3 verses each) and build our understanding of what they teach via their context and connecting scripture. My goal is to help you understand how to be the type of human God created you to be.

Today’s passage is Colossians 3:14. Paul is encouraging the church in Colossae to live a life of love.

Colossians 3:14

NASB	NLT	VOICE
14 In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.	14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.	14 But above all these, put on love! Love is the perfect tie to bind these together.

Through love, Paul wants us to develop our virtues, morals, and gifts. As we envelop ourselves with these virtues, we must connect them all through love. Paul refers to the virtues of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. If our forgiveness has the foundation of love, we can find reconciliation in our relationship. If our kindness is founded on love, we will share compassion with those around us. If our humility is founded on love, we will avoid our pride and ego taking over. Suppose our gentleness has the foundation of love. In that case, we can hear and listen to those struggling around us to help others be seen rather than solve their problems. If our patience has the foundation of love, we avoid snapping and being angry at others. Love is what God’s teachings and principles are all about. Love is shown through the acts of Jesus, through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We’re called to share love with the world, reflecting who God truly is.

Romans 13:8

NASB	NLT	VOICE
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law	8 Owe nothing to anyone – except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.	8 Don’t owe anyone anything, with the exception of love to one another – that is a debt which never ends – because the person who loves others has fulfilled the law.

Why must we love each other? We must share the same kind of love that Jesus shared with us. Jesus’ love led to his own death on the cross. The ultimate sacrifice in Christ should be the foundation of how we live. The love and compassion we share with those around us should reflect that sacrificial lifestyle and source of what love looks like. The love of Christ will always be more significant than anything we can offer, but we can share what that looks like in our own ways using our gifts, skills, and talents.

BREATHE IN:                    Love like God…

BREATHE OUT:               …all the time.

Until next time, stay blessed!