LOVING THE CHURCH
Colossians 1:24
"I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.... "
Paul loved the Church of Jesus. He loved it so much that the suffering he endured for it brought him joy. How much that contrasts with much of Christian attitude toward the church in our age -- "I have Jesus; I don't need the church." Paul's love for the Lord Jesus led him to sacrifice his body for God's people. Jesus suffered and died for the church. Now we get to "fill up what is lacking" since Jesus no longer suffers in the flesh. It is our turn to suffer. I want Paul's commitment: "I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved" (II Cor. 12:15). When we take up Jesus' cross, it is not for ourselves but for Jesus and His Church. So, fill'er up!!
TODAY'S THOUGHT: If I love Jesus, I will love His people.
Have a loving day. Love you.
Colossians 1:24
"I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.... "
Paul loved the Church of Jesus. He loved it so much that the suffering he endured for it brought him joy. How much that contrasts with much of Christian attitude toward the church in our age -- "I have Jesus; I don't need the church." Paul's love for the Lord Jesus led him to sacrifice his body for God's people. Jesus suffered and died for the church. Now we get to "fill up what is lacking" since Jesus no longer suffers in the flesh. It is our turn to suffer. I want Paul's commitment: "I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved" (II Cor. 12:15). When we take up Jesus' cross, it is not for ourselves but for Jesus and His Church. So, fill'er up!!
TODAY'S THOUGHT: If I love Jesus, I will love His people.
Have a loving day. Love you.
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