In His Image

One of the challenges I faced when I began to lead fellowships was the issue of preparing for meetings. I would read several passages in scripture searching to know which one God was going to lead me to teach on. On so many countless occasions, I would go up and not even make a single reference to my notes obviously teaching on an entirely different topic. After a while, I stopped reading the bible to look for what to teach and just continued studying the bible to learn for myself and whenever my Father permits me, I share some of the things I have learnt with others as I intend to share with you today.

Recently I have been stuck on the book of Colossians. When I say recently, I mean for about the last three months or so. And a portion in chapter 3 has been tugging at my heart to share.

Colossians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

¹² Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ 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. ¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Now my experience with a large majority of people who profess to be believers has not been reflective of the content of this passage of scripture. Actually, the world the way it is wired now will call you slow, a fool, mumu/maga (Nigerian slang), if you were to exhibit these characters consistently in all things and at all times.

I tell people that; to follow God is a choice, a hard choice but one that is completely worth it.

                                        

Scripture admonishes us as children of God, new creations in Christ Jesus to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. Not until I read this scripture did it dawn on me that there is mercy and there is tender mercy. The way the Holy Spirit explained it to me is that mercy is a pardon that is granted based on the law whereas tender mercy is a pardon that is granted regardless of the law.

These attributes (humility, meekness, kindness, tender mercies) are unpopular in our world today. In the circular world, if you are not “tough enough” it is difficult to rise to some certain positions. The belief is that you have to be able to make some “tough” decisions and there is no room for softness.

When you hear some believers talk to people both in the work place and even in church, you can’t help it but wonder what impact the word of God has had in their lives.

In a conversation the other day, I was telling a friend that I think church people hold the highest grudge and are very unforgiving. There are people who fellowship in the same assembly but have been in a silent feud for months. Church goers are slow to forgive and even when they claim to have forgiven, they almost never forget. Sinners are more willing to receive a Christian who goes back to his sinful ways than believers are to receive a believing brother/sister who fell into sin and is restored.

Before you call me out on my last statement, think about this; what do you think the response will be in your local assembly if you were to find out that your head usher who is a single lady is pregnant and your choir master is responsible?

I am not condoning sin, very far from it, I am only saying that if we were made in the image of our Father after His likeness, then we must strive to be like Him in ALL things.

¹² Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ 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. ¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.