Put On Charity

              In Colossians 3:12-15 quoted below, we see the word “charity.”  When we use this word today, it means something different then when Paul used it so many years ago.  We think of charity as caring for the down trodden, those needing help to get back on their feet.

              However, Paul was using the word to mean, “Love,” a love of our brethren, our sisters, our parents, a Godly love, a love shown to us by God.

When God placed His only begotten Son on the cross to die for us, He showed that love, an enduring love, an everlasting love.

              Our scripture tells us to “put on charity.”  We as Christians are to put on love and show it to the world.  As Christian’s, the world sees us as hypocritical.  (Not that they aren’t also,) but we sometimes put on “a different face” in the church house, and then go to work sounding just as worldly as those surrounding us.

              You see, we have to watch not only our walk, but also our talk.  When we tell someone we love them, (Godly love,) do they believe us or are they wondering when the next foul thing will come out of our mouth?

Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

              This is a very misused verse.  It is not our excuse to go ahead and sin. It is our verse to tell us, we will sin, so be very careful in our walk and in our talk. (Most use the verse to go ahead and deliberately sin.)  When we put on charity, it ought to be a love that ignites others to want to be like us, and have a heart that is ignited of this love.

              “Put on Charity” with a seriousness and conviction to do the work of God, knowing in your heart, in your soul, and in your mind, that you are doing the best for God you can.  Then along with your Salvation you can have the “…peace of God…rule [ing] in your hearts.”

              Now knowing we have that peace, be thankful for what God has given, and what He will give.  Let us be thankful and glorify God and His Son Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Bro John R. E Chastain

Colossians 3:12-15  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (13)  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  (14)  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.