10/7 Colossians 3:14

¹⁴ And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Paul had written to the church of Colossae to put off their old nature and be clothed with compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. He went on to tell them to forgive any grievances they had against each other. Then he added the directive we consider for today. Love binds all these graces together in perfect harmony.

If you've ever heard an orchestra perform or singers sing in four-part harmony, you know the wonder of different sounds blending to make a much richer sound than each sound makes on its own. But if one of the instruments or vocalists is off- key, you know something is not right. So it is with these gifts of the heart. If each does not operate out of love, it becomes obvious that something is off.

Kindness, or any of these virtues, can be demonstrated out of duty. When that is the case, others sense the lack of harmony. A person may seem to have genuine humility because of his or her love for God, but if he or she does not apply that love in patience toward others, there is a lack of harmony in the person's actions and attitudes. This is why Jesus emphasized love for God and for others. It is the virtue of all virtues and harmonizes all good qualities. It is when we find that love for God and other people that others can see Christ in us.

Consider: Is it love or duty that motivates your compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness? If there is a lack of love in any of these areas, ask the Lord to give you His love and be willing to receive it.