The Clothes of Unity
| In that renewal, there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians3:11-14) |
The Apostle Paul encourages us to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." These are the clothes we are expected to wear every day, not merely ideals to admire from a distance. Wearing these "clothes" and treating one other with the grace that Christ bestows upon us is how the Church stays united.
While unity requires us to put up with one another and forgive grievances the way the Lord pardoned us, it also requires more than outward acts. Since the Church is human, there will inevitably be disagreements, misunderstandings, and difficult moments. But it's also in these moments that we have the opportunity to extend mercy and allow forgiveness to restore and restore relationships.
Paul's most important instruction to us is to "clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." The final piece of clothing that keeps the fabric of oneness together is love. Love makes the space for kindness, forgiveness, and compassion to grow, and it makes the Church a place where everyone is accepted, respected, and loved.
As we consider the theme of unity in the Church this week, let us examine the clothes we wear in our interactions with one another. Are we clothing ourselves with Christ's love, compassion, and humility? Are we seeking to build unity by forgiving and bearing with each other?
May we choose, every day, to put on the clothes of unity---allowing Christ's love to bind us together in perfect harmony.
Loving God,
Clothe us in the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Teach us to forgive as you have forgiven us,
And above all, help us to wear the garment of love,
So that we may be united as one body in Christ.
Amen.
-------------------------------------------
Unathi Ntseke, an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament within the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), serves the Bridgetown Presbyterian Church in Cape Town. Raised in Langa Township, with a proud heritage rooted in the Mzondi, Myirha, and Xhosa clan, I draw on my Christian upbringing instilled by our single mother. As a dedicated leader, motivator, and protector of the vulnerable, I Rev. Ntseke am committed to my ministry, which has exposed me to the harsh realities of abuse and poverty. I (Unathi) am also a loving single parent to her daughter, Olwesisa, who inspires and motivates me. In all, God remains the center of her universe, guiding me through life's challenges.
