Colossians 3:12-14 "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion..."

"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourself in love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony" (Col. 3:12-14 NRSV).

Comment:

You asked specifically about verse 13; I've added the preceding and following verses to make the meaning clearer. The Letter to the Colossians is written out of the great ferment of the first century of the Christian church. Many different people, with many different ideas about the message and meaning of Jesus Christ, are traveling from one fledgling church to another. The result is that small congregations are being divided over these varied beliefs, and losing the unity of understanding with which they began.   The author (perhaps Paul, perhaps someone writing in his name) urges the confused congregants to “keep it simple” – stay focused on the behavior and unity of purpose that first brought them together. They are not to fight among themselves, but to treat each other "with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."  They are told, too, that "you also must forgive." This is not the superficial sense of "You've hurt me, but I'm not going to retaliate." It's the much deeper spiritual sense of “forgiveness” as recognition that there is underlying unity beneath superficial differences. No harm has been done, because no harm can be done to the Christ, which is our true identity.   "Above all, clothe yourselves with love" and "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Col. 3:14, 15). In our awareness of our own innate Oneness with the Christ Presence of God, no conflict is possible. Why would I fight or resist someone I know to be an expression of the same Christ energy as I am?   Blessings!

Rev. Ed