Bound Together

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14) I have been digesting these verses from Colossians since a worship and music conference I attended last summer. This scripture is also a guide for the “Not a New Year’s Resolution” class I am co-teaching with Betsy Cook (check out the class’s creations in our art gallery). So, when I was thinking about what I could write about this week for the e-news in light of current events, I was drawn back to these words. If you’re like me, the past weeks’ events have brought feelings of guilt, sadness, anger, disbelief, and helplessness. Having moved to San Diego from the Twin Cities, I feel both deeply connected and blissfully removed from the happenings. In Jason’s message last Sunday, he did a great job naming the anxiety we feel. He also spoke to the fact the evil one’s purpose is to destabilize and drive us further apart. So, instead of blaming one side or the other - conservative or progressive, American-born or immigrant, government institutions or protestors - we, the body of Christ, are compelled to demonstrate other actions. Apostle Paul instructs us, God’s holy and beloved people, to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. This should be our armor. This is how we should present ourselves to the world. When others see us and interact with us, they should be reminded of God’s compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I ask you to boldly join me in prayer, asking the Spirit to help manifest these attributes in us, even in times it is difficult. Lord, clothe us in: Compassion - for neighbors and strangers. For those who do not look like us and those who did not vote like us. For lost, anxious and broken, regardless of their immigration status. Kindness - in our interactions with others, even those we believe are wrong. To choose our words carefully. To offer help and aid when we see a need. Humility - that we view ourselves as part of the broken world instead of above it. We ask for forgiveness and seek out paths of reconciliation. Gentleness - in meeting others in our communities. That we listen first and approach others in an open and tender way. Patience - Help us remember that patience is not passive. God hears our prayers. Help us not to be discouraged and continue to work peacefully for God’s will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen. Elizabeth Virkler