There is an interesting story about a man who was searching for a ‘perfect woman’ to get married. That search of many years included several travels, meeting several people, many suggestions from friends and relatives. Sadly, he became old and was about to die. One of his friends asked him: “Did you not find a ‘perfect woman’ among almost half of world’s population.” He said: “Yes friend, I found.” Friend: “Why did you not marry her?” That dying friend said: “She was searching for a ‘Perfect Man’. No human is perfect, including family members and fellow believers. Sadly, many are disappointed and disillusioned by expecting perfectness from others: spouses, children, parents, teachers, bosses, pastors…etc.
Paul exhorts believers to have ‘compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.’ (Colossians 3:12,13)
1) Compassionate hearts: Having out flowing and overflowing love that helps us to fulfill the Royal Law of loving neighbour as ourselves.
2) Kindness: Dealing with others in courteous manner, dignity, polite and tenderness. Respecting others as created in the image of God, for whom Christ died and worthy of their own rights. Speaking soft words turns off angry people. (Proverbs 15:1)
3) Humility and meekness: Honouring others and humbling oneself is key for healthy relationships. No one likes to be a friend or spouse of a haughty person.
4) Patience: Quick-tempered persons cannot have long-term relationships. Those who are slow to anger, have understanding; while fools are hasty tempered. (Proverbs 14:29)
5) Forgive: Spouses, children and friends who do not learn to forgive will lead a miserable life. Unforgiving attitude is dangerous and disastrous for person’s physical, emotional and spiritual life. Paul reminds that we are forgiven by Lord, ought to forgive others. But also, be innocent as doves and wise as serpents. (Matthew 10:16)
God could help us to become like Christ Jesus in our life time.
Am I growing in Christs’ likeness?