The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

ColossiaNS 3:12-17, “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 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

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

16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

Has it ever occurred to you, who belong to Him, that you were chosen? Yes, it’s truly above our “pay grade” to understand such things; but He knew who would be His before we knew we were on His “list.” Don’t dwell too long on that thought; just believe it and enjoy it. What should occupy us now is possessing a “heart of compassion and kindness” toward others, wrapped in “humility, gentleness and patience.”

Being “in Christ,” however, does not automatically indicate the abstinence of worldliness. It truly includes the need to tolerate the spiritual weaknesses in others, especially with those who have yet to come to faith in Christ themselves! Yes, there’s work involved! As the song says, “It’s not an easy road;” yet, it’s thoroughly beneficial. What’s more, it’s peaceful. The incalculable weight of sin is gone! Those worries and fears that sin heaped heavily upon us are now manageable: we simply give them to Christ! Nothing is too weighty for Him!

Further, we are at peace within ourselves; and that allows us to be at peace with others, regardless of how they respond to us or life’s situations. We simply bask in the Word, filling our hearts and souls with the sweet riches of His incalculable love. In time, what others see of Him in us prompts them to desire Him for themselves. Yes, we are to encourage them; but, it’s ultimately their responsibility to turn from sin and submerge themselves in His everlasting Love! God bless!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom