Day 25: Partnering Church

Daily Devotional

Colossians 3:12-14

12 “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Today’s passage calls us to work together in unity towards God’s purposes, and it reminds us that love is the foundation of it all. When we approach others with love and compassion, we demonstrate the love of Christ that has been revealed to us. To be fair, conflicts can and will arise within any community and relationship, even in the church. It’s in those moments that we must ask ourselves: how do we respond? Do we respond in love, or do we let anger and pride take over? As a partnering church, we must prioritize love in all that we do. This means clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, even in the midst of conflict. Prioritize love and unity today by bearing the burdens of those around you and extending forgiveness, just as the Lord has forgiven you. Let us strive to be a church that demonstrates the love of Christ by partnering with one another and working together towards God’s kingdom.

Weekly Application

As part of God’s church, we are called to be a unified body, partnering with one another to grow in our relationship with God and to fulfill His purposes. Although there is strength in our differences, we must remember that we are all different parts of the same body, each with our own unique gifts and callings. Start this week by asking God to give you a heart of unity and compassion. Then, reach out to three others throughout the week to listen, encourage, and pray for them. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of pride, selfishness, or unforgiveness that may hinder your relationship with others. Let us prioritize building up one another and be intentional about growing together in our walk with Christ this week.