Paul emphasizes the importance of Christ-like love as the unifying force within the Christian life. The virtues he lists (compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness) are the fruit of the Spirit and should be evident in every believer's behavior. Believers must examine their lives, confess shortcomings, and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to cultivate genuine, unconditional love modeled by Jesus.

The Apostle Paul tells us we must put our to death our sinful, earthly desires, and to put on the new self, a spiritual clothing of righteousness and mental focus on Christ.

Today we see the importance of keeping our desires focused on heavenly things, specifically Christ, who is our Lord and our life.

Paul's message is a warning to believers against deceptive philosophies and legalistic teachings that threaten to challenge our freedom in Christ. He emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to remain rooted in Him and not be swayed by religious rites and human wisdom.

If you encounter a pastor or teacher who is using a lot of human wisdom or philosophical reasoning in their sermons, be careful. It may sound good, but has no power to save.

We all long for the assurance of good things to come, yet nothing in this life provides it. However, Scripture tells us that we can be fully assured of our salvation and the hope Christ gives to those who put their faith in Him.

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity in Christ's Church, but that's often easier said than done. Paul's instruction to believers is to be of one mind and spirit and put minor disagreements aside for the sake of the gospel.

Paul labored tirelessly to proclaim the gospel and help believers mature. Similarly, as we labor for Christ's purposes, the Lord provides the energy we need to do the work He has set before us.

Paul frequently discussed the mystery of Christ, and in today's devotional we look at what this means and the incredible promise it brings to all who believe in Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Paul understood that suffering for Christ's sake allowed him to have a deeper relationship with Jesus. We too should consider our trials and persecutions as a means to both glorify God and make us more like Christ.