And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.Colossians 3:14
The entire letter to the congregation in Colossae is filled with every hope and aid for spiritual strength and survival. A subject Paul had every right to speak of as he wrote this epistle from prison. But, this church was in crisis. It had the tendency to allow many philosophies and religions to stand in equality to Christian truth. Their world was diverse and they were reluctant to release old traditions and ideologies. The solution was to incorporate them into the new faith and worship practices of their Christian life.
Mysticism was the greatest concern and Christian living was looking more and more like pagan and secular life. Paul called these people to remember the supremacy of Christ over all created beings. Wisdom and truth Came from the Creator God. There is no need for other influences, God is complete and sufficient. The Christian community of Colossae was called to worship the One True God of truth and love and let this overlap into their daily lives in spiritual maturity.
To find the reference to ‘these’ look back to verses 12-13; compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and forgiveness. But, without love none of the above make any sense and are an impossible ask. To be alive in Christ means to love as Christ and then all things become possible.
Love,
Gretchen