Opening Prayer
Lord, give us the Spirit of truth, love, peace, and joy. Amen.
Text: Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Devotion
This is how we should be as good plants in the field of the Lord’s Church. Such is His wheat. From within, from a holy life of love the flower and fruit spring forth, a sweet fragrance to the Lord and a sweet taste for mankind. What do you now say about yourself? There is certainly no better correction for our arrogant, separatistic thoughts than Epistles such as this. Let us take this lesson right to heart and practice it with sincere obedience, and we shall surely live together in brotherly unity, wash one another’s feet, bear with one another’s weaknesses, and not separate from one another, saying: “Keep to yourself. I am holier than you!”
Look at yourself in the mirror of the Apostle’s word! Are you really yourself a true grain of wheat? Even if you are, then let such an exhortation go deep into the depths of your heart and awaken in you living desire to be such. But you see also that you are far away and far from fully following Jesus’ footsteps. O lovely and beautiful is Christendom when it is genuine. It is life. Without it there is only death.
Closing Prayer
God, give us Your Holy Spirit that He may sanctify us and prepare the Church as a pure and perfect bride for the Lord. You will do it for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Hymn
Lord, all Your glory I would be promoting forever,
For You created me to be Your servant forever.
How wonderful That with my life and my soul
I may serve You, gracious Savior.
O that I could all my work ever do with all gladness,
Praising You, Father, the Source of all mercy and goodness!
Your blessed will, Grant me the grace to fulfill;
Show me Your friendship and kindness.
Wake, O my soul, and attend now to diligent singing,
Loose now your stammering tongue to bring forth your thanksgiving!
Immanuel, Body and soul You make well,
Praises to You all are bringing!
Danish: Herre! jeg hjertelig ønsker at fremme din Ære L 232:1-3 tr. DeGarmeaux;
tune: Lobe den Herren (ELH 65); alternate hymn: Almighty Father, bless the Word ELH 580