The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Colossians 3:12-15, “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,

put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against

anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

14 And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let

the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

In a recent conversation among friends, someone said, “Have you ever seen anything like what

we’re seeing today?” It was a clear reference to the openly evil that exists today. Things that

would never have been said in previous days, is openly declared today as if there’s nothing of

which to be ashamed. My immediate response was that we’re living in the “last days” of human

history. Jesus is coming soon, and Satan and his forces have pulled out all stops to be as

resistant to Him as possible.

Paul saw evil in his day, too; and he admonised the Colossian believers (and us!) to manifest

Jesus Christ in our lives as fully and completely as possible. We’re to have compassion (pity) on

those without Christ. They have the “natural look of the natural man.” We’re to show kindness

(uprightness), humility (lowliness of mind), gentleness (consideration) and patience (long-suffering)

toward others. “Bearing with one another” relates to present offenses; “forgiving” relates to past

offenses.”

Yes, sometimes people have legitimate complaints against each other. We are to forgive, regardless

of the nature of the complaint. We are to love (agape) with the love that only comes from the LORD.

It’s not just niceness, although that is certainly involved. It is genuine love that behaves as if nothing

ever happened.

Peace in our hearts always comes from the LORD. We are to allow Him to rule (act as an umpire)

in our hearts. This is what salvation is all about. It’s not just about going to Heaven when we die; it

is about the attitude of our hearts and minds right now, today! When we learn this, we are prepared

for life today and for Heaven tomorrow. Count your blessings and always –always– be thankful!

We love and pray for you daily,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”