Matthew 18:12
February 2, 2024
FEAST OF ST BLAISE, BISHOP AND MARTYR – 3rd FEBRUARY
February 3, 2024
THE 2nd OF FEBRUARY
THROUGH JESUS WE ARE “ELECT, HOLY AND BELOVED”
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; – Colossians 3:12
Once we become Christians, we are “the elect of God, holy and beloved,” but not based on our own efforts or because we became sinless. Once we have truly repented and asked God to forgive our sins, we receive “Jesus’ righteousness”. Once we become Christians, we separate ourselves from the world, seeking to please God, and obeying Him (no longer obeying the carnal nature), making us different than those who live in sin.
Paul being led by the Holy Spirit, called those whom he addressed in the letter, saints, and then he advised them “… Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…” (Colossians 3:9-10). This proves that the saints in Colosse, still had room for improvement, and for sure they were not holy because of their own works or because they had become sinless, but because God chose them, and they said yes. It is the same for us too. If we regret when we sin and sincerely repent, asking God to forgive us and do our best to live in obedience to the Lord, we are cleansed by Jesus’ blood and through His righteousness we are holy.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Glory and honor to Your Holy Name oh Lord, because in Your great love, You have chosen me, and made me holy so I can obey Your will. Thank You for Your unlimited grace and mercy that You pour over me every day. Please help me make the right decisions and be led by the Holy Spirit and not my carnal nature. Lord please help me allow the fruit of the Holy Spirit, who is indwelling in me, to manifest and overcome my old ways of reacting to what happens around me. Please help me to put on mercy, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Source: thetruthstandsforever
