Scripture: Colossians 1:24-25
Now I’m happy to be suffering for you. I’m completing what is missing from Christ’s sufferings with my own body. I’m doing this for the sake of his body, which is the church. I became a servant of the church by God’s commission, which was given to me for you, in order to complete God’s word.
Thought for the Day: Paul believes that the sacrifice of Christ’s body, the church, is never meaningless if it is a sacrificial expression of love. Paul sees the positive impact his work has had on the Gentile community. What seems to confuse scholars is the phrase, “I’m completing what is missing from Christ’s suffering…” Earlier, Paul had talked about how Christ’s reconciling was sufficient, so it almost sounds like a contradiction. I wonder if it is Paul’s counter to those who might say, “Since Christ Jesus has done all the work, then I am responsible for nothing.” Maybe not in so many words, but I have met many people who dismissed any suggestion of personal responsibility as long as they have accepted Jesus. Paul would passionately claim that we are saved by grace alone, but those who have come to appreciate the depth of the gift are those who recognize the responsibility they have to share such a gift with the world. Christ has already demonstrated the unconditional love of God, but it is our job to complete this work by embodying it for others to encounter in their daily lives.
Prayer: You have gifted us, God, through the generous love of your Spirit. You have loved us, and in your love, you have brought us a peace. Through the peace we feel, we see clearly the brokenness and violence around us. Call us and equip us so that we can help spread the Good News of your love. Amen.
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