Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  (Philippians 4:6)

The result of following the command above is stated in verse seven: “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. What components in the command will assure the tranquil life God promises here?

Paul is certainly not encouraging laziness or the totally carefree life. Diligence to both our physical as well as spiritual life are necessary to our success. In caring for our daily needs God says: “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat”. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) In building spiritual character we are instructed to “give all diligence”. (2 Peter 1:5) However, there is a kind of anxious care that robs us of our spiritual energy.  

So after all has been done on our part we are exhorted in all things to “pray”. “Prayer” is the first of three steps commanded here.  When used in the same context with words like “supplication” and “thanksgiving”, “prayer” may refer to the worshipful aspect of this triplet.  It seems to refer to a reverent, submissive frame of mind. It acknowledges that God's presence is our deepest joy, and extolling him is our greatest delight.  When our relationship with God means everything to us; it is difficult for the worldly cares to creep in.

And “supplication” implies a request. Certainly God covets our petitions. Here we are acknowledging our total dependence on him.  This is where we give to him our special petitions, and cast our cares on him. When such petitions are tempered by a prayerful, submissive state of mind, our cares are transformed from worldly aspirations to much more noble objects such as seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is how the peace of God guards our hearts.

When we are aware of what God has done for us; what he is doing for us; and what he will do for us, we cannot help but be thankful. We are encouraged to give thanks to God continually. When we are focusing on our blessings it is difficult to be distracted by anxious care. This is the perfect remedy for our anxiety.

The peace which God supplies is not merely a freedom from external troubles, but stems from a deep-seated harmony with God. God promises to guard our hearts through “prayer” which rests everything on him; through “supplication” which acknowledges our dependence on him; and by “thanksgiving” which recognizes the blessings from him.

By George Slover

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isaiah 11:1)

It was not from Isaiah that the Jews mistakenly expected the Messiah to be a mighty temporal prince with armies that would break the yoke of Roman oppression.  From Jesse's stem a shoot will sprout forth and a green branch burst forth from its roots.

The very idea of a sucker springing from a hewn stump seems inconsistent with the idea of a mighty Messiah. At the time of Isaiah's work powerful empires such as Assyria and Babylon ruled the world. It would seem inconceivable that the Savior could arise from the lowly state of David's household.

During the time of another world power, the Roman Empire, at a time chosen by God,   when David's house was reduced to its lowest state, a virgin, a poor peasant girl, gave birth to a child who would be the savior of the world.

This savior was born into a poor family, born in a manger in the village of Bethlehem. Herod would have killed the child if he have been allowed.  After a  sojourn in Egypt, his parents made their home in lowly Nazareth. John records,  “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11)

This sucker grew and began to receive attention.  Luke records:  “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”. (Luke 2:52)  They marveled at his signs and wonders, and even his very words.  They were astonished at his wisdom and understanding.

Ultimately, the branch of Jesse became a wise teacher, a gracious healer, a suffering servant, and the means of victory over sin and death. The despised tree of David became a healer of nations whose fruit was for the redemption of a world in dead in sin.

Is he your savior?  He can be, if you will obey him.  (Hebrews 5:8,9)

By George Slover
 

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (Colossians 3:14)

The people of God or not only expected to cease from evil (“put off the old man”), but to put on the new as God's elect, with a heart of kindness, compassion, and humility.  But, then Paul adds, above all “put on love”.

First, Paul would have us to recognize the very power of love. It is the fountain of every Christian virtue (1 Corinthians 13:1-10). It is the fulfillment of the law of Christ (Galatians 5:14). This is Christ-like love. The rude, unforgiving, self- asserting, fault-finding spirit cannot coexist with this Christ-like love.

Second, there is the “bond of love”. Love is the mark of Christ’s disciples. The Judeo- Gnostics of Colossae sought perfection in knowledge. The apostle stated such perfection is found in love. It is love that binds believers together and looks to the final perfection in God.

In the surrounding context Paul lists the character traits of God’s elect.  Mercy, kindness, humility and the spirit of forgiveness are woven together like a garment. God expects his children to put on the coat! Love is the element that holds the garment together.

Thus, the third factor of love is perfection.  It is the key element of each of these characteristics. Without love deeds of mercy can be ostentatious, humility can be prideful, and forgiveness a façade.

Above all love is supreme! It stems from the very nature of God himself and brings the whole Christian life in harmony.

By George Slover

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (Colossians 3:14)

The people of God or not only expected to cease from evil (“put off the old man”), but to put on the new as God's elect, with a heart of kindness, compassion, and humility.  But, then Paul adds, above all “put on love”.

First, Paul would have us to recognize the very power of love. It is the fountain of every Christian virtue (1 Corinthians 13:1-10). It is the fulfillment of the law of Christ (Galatians 5:14). This is Christ-like love. The rude, unforgiving, self- asserting, fault-finding spirit cannot coexist with this Christ-like love.

Second, there is the “bond of love”. Love is the mark of Christ’s disciples. The Judeo- Gnostics of Colossae sought perfection in knowledge. The apostle stated such perfection is found in love. It is love that binds believers together and looks to the final perfection in God.

In the surrounding context Paul lists the character traits of God’s elect.  Mercy, kindness, humility and the spirit of forgiveness are woven together like a garment. God expects his children to put on the coat! Love is the element that holds the garment together.

Thus, the third factor of love is perfection.  It is the key element of each of these characteristics. Without love deeds of mercy can be ostentatious, humility can be prideful, and forgiveness a façade.

Above all love is supreme! It stems from the very nature of God himself and brings the whole Christian life in harmony.

By George Slover

Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’" (Luke 14:12-14)

In this passage Jesus challenged his audience to examine the motives behind their hospitality.  It is not surprising that the Pharisees, desiring the praises of men, would miss the true spirit of generosity.  

It is easy for hospitality to grow into a selfish desire for show.  When this happens one misses out on the real joy of giving.

When carnal motives creep in, giving may become like the grim duty of paying taxes. One might deem his gift a way of buying his way to heaven, or a means of exercising his superiority over the beneficiary of his gift.

The spirit of true hospitality is illustrated in this passage. One must give because they cannot help it! One must strive to be like God who gave his only son, expecting nothing in return. (John 3:16)  One must give with no thought of the reward.  Such an outflow of love allies one with the noblest of men and women in the world.

According to the Lord those who give generously will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. (John 5:28, 29) Summarily, all who grudgingly withhold their gift when opportunities arise, will in like manner be recompensed.

There is a great reward for those with large hearts, who give bountifully of their lives and resources.  When such kindness is based on faith, hope, and love both the giver and the recipient are blessed and God is pleased.

By George Slover