There are countless threats to the unity of the body (Colossians 3:69). Paul knows that brothers and sisters may have complaints against each other (Colossians 3:13). What does like to foster a community of forgiveness and love?
The Christian enduring persecution from his biological family needs to hear the dozens or hundreds in his spiritual family sing, Jesus, I my cross have taken, all to leave and follow Thee. The believer struggling hard against shame needs to watch you exult, My sin, not in part, but the whole, has been nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more! The saint by work, striving, and performance needs to listen as you affirm, We rest on Thee, our shield.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
1 John 3:16-18 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
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