With Warmth and Compassion

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. – Colossians 3:16

The role of umpires in a baseball game covers the gamut of tasks. They determine good pitches and bad, rule if a base-runner is out or safe, as well as intervene when opposing teams have altercations. They sometimes make mistakes, and the crowd may become unruly because of it. 

There is One who never makes a wrong decision, and He gives peace to those who follow Him. Paul writes in Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” Paul had just listed the characteristics of the person who has come to know Christ as Savior, ”kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (v.12), and that those who follow the Lord will exhibit these traits. 

He then continues, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (v. 16). You have God’s complete Word before you. Let His words be at home, settled, in your hearts, so that the peace you have will come from making decisions based on His guidance. Paul encourages the members of the churches to help each other by “teaching and admonishing one another” (v. 16) with instruction that has warmth and compassion. In the midst of it all, Paul says to “be thankful” (vv. 15-16). 

The love of God is so amazing. He gives peace to the believer that the world will never understand, and He gives His Word to uphold, instruct, admonish, and guide in ways only He is able. Pray now for the governing officials of this nation. May those who do not know Him come to believe in the God of peace and goodwill.