“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
(Colossians 3:14)
Both in the context of society at large, as well as in the local congregation, divisions and schisms between friends and families occur all too often. And so it has been since the beginning of time. Brother against brother. Tribe against tribe. Nation against nation. And of course that ultimate breach which occurred in the Garden between divinity and humanity.
But thanks be to God for the redemptive work of Christ on the cross – his sacrificial death and resurrection – which bridged the otherwise irreparable gap between holy God and fallen man (Eph. 2:14-22). And for God’s sure and certain promises that He will heal all divisions between His saints in eternity (Isa. 2:4, 11:6-9, 13, 30:26, 32:18, 33:20; Ezek. 28:24; Jer. 32:39; Zeph. 3:9; Zech. 14:9). “Though our divisions are very great, yet God can and will heal all the breaches of his saints.”[1]
Until then, however, Christians are called to labor for unity. In the third chapter of his letter to the believers in Colossae, Paul builds a case for repairing the many divisions, schisms, and fissures among believers caused by sin, selfishness, strife, jealousy, and bitterness. He begins, “If you are then risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,” (v. 1) and continues in v. 8, “put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication,” (all of which result in fractures and divisions between brethren) and “put on the new man… after the image of him that created him,” (v. 10).
Paul continues to define the particular components of this healing process in v. 12-13, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another and forgiving one another.” And then he wraps up this gift of Christ-likeness in v. 14, “and above all these things put on charity [love], which is the bond of perfectness.”
What a magnificent prescriptive Paul lays out for us here in terms of healing divisions, breaches, schisms, and all manner of differences between and among God’s people! He even affirms (v. 11) that in doing so, we experience a community of unity – “where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision…bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all!”
Why is unity so crucial? Because division leads to sinful behaviors such as censuring others (Prov. 21:24), accepting false reports (Neh. 6:6), and even rejoicing in the misfortunes of others (Ezek. 25:6-7). Further, division is a sure path to ruin, both in terms of God’s judgment (Hosea 10:2) and intrinsically (Judges 5:5).
How, then, can we best contribute to a spirit of unity in the body of Christ? By practicing reconciling graces like faith, repentance, charity, and humility as Paul so well details for us in our text. Let us therefore lift our voices in prayer for unity, our hearts guided by truth and holiness, as there is no peace within God’s family without this “bond of perfection” between us.
Contemplations
- On Spiritual Division: When I think of being spiritually divided, it strikes me how this disconnection goes beyond just disagreements or debates. I am reminded of Paul’s confession in Acts 26:9, where he was divided in his very purpose and goal before meeting Christ. It prompts me to evaluate whether I am genuinely united in purpose with God.
- On the Roots of Division: Reflecting on idolatry, covenant-breaking, and pride as highlighted in Judges 5:8, Leviticus 26:25, and Jeremiah 13:9-14, I realize that these sins are not just ancient terms but real-world issues. It makes me question where my allegiances lie and whether they are causing a division between me and God or others.
- On the Consequences of Division: Zechariah 13:14 speaks of division as a form of judgment. It’s sobering to think that the strife and discord we witness might be a form of divine judgment. I feel compelled to heed the warnings of the Scripture and work against any source of division in my life, turning instead toward unity.
- On the Path to Unity: When I read Colossians 3:14-15, it hits home that love is the ultimate “bond of perfectness.” If I want to be part of the solution, love must be my guiding principle. And not just a sentimental love but a love that is deeply rooted in faith in Christ, repentance, and humility, which draw me closer to God and others.
Further References for Col. 3:14:
Heb. 6:1; 1 Cor. 13:1; Eph. 4:3; John 17:23
[1] Edward Leigh, A System or Body of Divinity (London: A.M. for William Lee, 1654), 355.
