Living in Harmony - May 2018

Post date: Jun 18, 2018 12:07:05 PM

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14, NLT).

We have begun a new series—Living in Harmony—which ties in beautifully with our previous study of 1 Corinthians 13.

As we considered this chapter on love, we found that “love never fails” is ultimately seen in Christ. The greatest act of love—Christ’s death on the cross— made us right with God. Where there was discord, Christ’s love sowed harmony—with God and also with one another.

Christ’s love beckons us to respond. It calls us be united in perfect unity—one heart, one passion, one love. One harmonious purpose.

To illustrate the part that love and harmony play together, we played “Name That Tune” with a twist. Instead of playing the melody line, we started with the harmony line and added a second harmony. Only one song was guessed right off the bat. The others weren’t guessed until the melody line was added.

Harmony on its own doesn’t make much sense. Two harmonies can sometimes create dissonance. Sometimes just isn’t particularly pleasing to the ear, other times it just feels incomplete.

In this illustration, we are the harmony and love is the melody. If we’re all “playing our part” – filling in our harmonies—but love isn’t present, we’re like the noisy gong or clanging cymbal of 1 Corinthians 13.

It’s not until the melody line of LOVE is added that something beautiful emerges.

The love of God in Christ Jesus is the foundation for building harmonious relationships. As we embrace God’s love for us, we understand anew His love for others. We recognize how much we ALL need the unfailing love of Jesus.

When our hearts and minds align with that truth, we want to share the beauty of Christ’s love with others. At times we’ll fail. But it’s not about our failures as much as it is about the unfailing, powerful, effective love of Christ.

In other words, because we have encouragement from our relationship with Jesus, love for others should be a natural outpouring. A natural effect of our love relationship with Jesus.

Love never fails. We see it in the love of Christ for us. And we can see it as we demonstrate His love to others. Every time we show agape love—the kind that demonstrates brotherly love, good will, benevolence—Scripture tells us it will not be without impact. Because love never fails. When love is extended to another, it will always produce a result. Possibly in the one on the receiving end. Most assuredly in the one extending the love! Especially when it is rooted in Christ.

What impact does this truth have in our daily lives? What effect does knowing and embracing the depth of His love for you and me have in our interactions with each other?

Today, let’s be intentional about our response to Christ’s unfailing love. Let us “clothe ourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14, NLT).