In Ephesians 3:17 we are told to be, “rooted and grounded in love.” If, like a tree, our roots grow down into the love of God and spread then that unconditional love of God will permeate our whole being. However, in order for that love to grow and spread there are certain things that we have to do. Colossians 3:14 (AMP) tells us to “put on love and wrap yourself in (unselfish) love.” In other words, we have to be intentional and make a decision to love.

Practically speaking, how do we “put on love?” The preceding verses of Colossians 3:12-13 answer that for us. Firstly, we need to be compassionate (see also Eph 5 :2), kind, patient, putting up with each other, even when someone annoys you! In addition, love is reflected in our words and tone of voice (which was dealt with in an earlier blog). It also means being forgiving. Forgiveness is a very important part of love; the flesh wants to harbor bitterness towards the person that hurts us but not so with love, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Col 3:13; NLT). We are called to follow the example of Jesus (see also the Deacon Stephen; Acts &:54-60), who when He was dying said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34; NKJV). Love also believes the best of others (1 Cor 13:7). Some people love to gossip and spread malicious rumors about others (Prov 26:22) but if we stay away from gossip, we can believe the best of people. None of us know what is going on in someone else’s life so we need to make allowances (Prov 14:10).

Let’s commit today that with God’s help we will “put on love” and freely extend forgiveness. We will have many opportunities to put this into practice!