Today’s reading, from Colossians 3:12-17, offers a timeless reminder of the virtues that define a Christ-centered life. These verses, often revisited during the Christmas season, encourage believers to embody compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. In this sermon, Frank explores the invisible yet impactful nature of these virtues and their relevance in our spiritual and everyday lives.
The Common Thread: Invisible Virtues
Compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love share a unique quality—they are invisible. While their actions are visible, their essence cannot be seen, heard, touched, tasted, or smelled. Yet, their impact is eternal. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Lessons From the Unseen
Paul’s teachings invite us to reflect on how the unseen shapes our lives. Consider the attributes mentioned in Colossians—they exist in the realm of action and intention, making them foundational to Christian living.
The Mount Whitney Journey: A Parable of the Unseen
In August 2010, a personal journey to hike Mount Whitney taught Frank a profound lesson about the unseen. Despite months of physical preparation, he was unprepared for the effects of altitude. The journey became a metaphor for life’s unseen challenges and the invisible qualities like resilience and humility that help us navigate them.
What Invisible Forces Shape Your Life?
From gravity and knowledge to love and faith, much of what sustains us is unseen. As Christians, these unseen forces remind us of God’s omnipresence and the importance of living by faith rather than sight.
Faith in Action: Demonstrating the Unseen
Jesus’ teachings emphasize making the unseen visible through action. In John 14:8-9, Jesus tells Philip, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Similarly, our faith becomes tangible when expressed through acts of love and forgiveness.
Forgiveness: A Central Theme
Forgiveness is central to Christian faith. Jesus exemplified this on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). The Lord’s Prayer reinforces this, asking us to forgive others as we are forgiven.
Love: The Greatest Commandment
Love, too, requires action. As John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” This love is demonstrated through compassion, kindness, and service to others.
The Power of Living Examples
Actions speak louder than words. A “program of attraction” in the church, where believers live out their faith authentically, can inspire others more effectively than any promotion.
The Story of the Starfish
A familiar tale illustrates this point: A young woman throws stranded starfish back into the ocean one by one. When told she couldn’t possibly make a difference, she responds, “It made a difference to that one.” Similarly, our small acts of love and kindness can have a profound impact.
Personal Reflection: Forgiveness and Growth
A childhood memory taught Frank about forgiveness and self-compassion. When he confessed to damaging a faucet with a hammer, his father responded not with anger, but with guidance and love. This act of forgiveness left a lasting impression, showing him the importance of forgiving others and ourselves.
Forgiving Ourselves
Often, forgiving ourselves is the hardest task. Yet, as Christians, we are called to let go of guilt and embrace God’s grace. Remember, “I am not the worst thing I’ve ever done.”
Conclusion: Sharing God’s Love
We are imperfect, yet we are called to share God’s love and forgiveness. Our flaws make us relatable witnesses of faith. By demonstrating compassion, humility, patience, and love, we make the unseen seen, reflecting God’s grace to the world.
This Christmas Season
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us reflect on the unseen gifts of love and forgiveness that define our faith. These gifts, when shared, become the most cherished and lasting legacies we leave behind.
Amen.