Freedom Calls

Colossians 3:12-17 – “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one 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…”

Salvation and freedom come not by our works, but through Christ Jesus, whose grace calls us to reflect His character. 

As God’s elect, we’re clothed in His virtues—mercy, kindness, humility—by the Holy Spirit’s power. 

This isn’t mere behavior; it’s a new life of love and peace, flowing from our union with Him. Watchman Nee writes, 

“The breaking of the outward man is the release of the spirit” (The Release of the Spirit), urging us to let Christ’s nature shine through us.

Paul contrasts the old self, bound by sin, with the new, redeemed in Christ. 

The law condemned, but Jesus forgave, weaving a covenant of grace in our hearts. 

We forgive as He did, bear with others, and let His peace rule—marks of true Christian character. 

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less” (C.S. Lewis /Mere Christianity), pointing us to Christ’s meekness as our example. 

John Bunyan’s pilgrim endured, saying, “He that is down needs fear no fall” (The Pilgrim’s Progress), teaching us long suffering, trust and perseverance as we lose sight of the path God has us on, sometimes. 

Spurgeon warns, “The kisses of an enemy are deceitful,” urging sincerity in our walk, lest we profess Christ falsely along the way. We are His representatives here and our behavior reflects on others view of Christ. 

 He prays, “O Lord, make me true, reflecting Thy love.” The Spirit empowers us to live this, with Christ’s word dwelling richly in us, making us long to be loving, kind, patient, long suffering, humble, tender and merciful; like our Master and Commander, Jesus Christ. 

• John 13:34 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you…”

• Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

• Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering…”

• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other…”

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will…”