Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

When I read this passage in my Bible, the heading struck me: “The Life of the New Man.” I honestly can’t think of a more fitting way to describe Colossians chapters 3 and 4. If I had to choose just a few verses to sum it all up, verses 14-15 would take the cake:

“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.”

— Colossians 3:14-15

Let’s take a moment to break this down. These verses give us a blueprint for living out our new life in Christ.

“Above all…” 

This opening phrase signals something critical: what follows is the most important. In our “new man” identity, love isn’t an accessory; it’s the centerpiece. The struggles and sins of our past are now secondary to this overarching command. Christ doesn’t just renovate our lives; He replaces the foundation. And that foundation is love.

“Put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

How often have we heard the phrase, “Love God, Love People”? It sounds simple, and it is, but it’s also incredibly profound. My youth pastor once said, “People don’t care what you know until they know you care.” That truth has never left me.

You could memorize Scripture, tithe faithfully, serve for hours every week, but if love isn’t present, those acts lose their power to unify and reflect Christ. Love is the glue that binds the body of Christ. It’s what keeps our differences from becoming divisions.

“Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts…”

This part of the verse feels like a warm blanket. Christ’s call to love doesn’t come without help. He gives us His peace, not just a generic calm, but His peace to rule our hearts. We’re not left alone to figure this out. Christ’s peace is the guiding force in the chaos of daily life.

“…to which you were also called in one body.”

Not only is Jesus with us, but He’s placed us in community. This isn’t a solo journey. We were called, intentionally invited, into one body. One mission. Different gifts, different roles, but the same Spirit working through each of us.

Too often, we try to go it alone. But God’s Word is clear: we are designed to live, grow, and serve together. That’s part of the beauty of this new life: we’re united in purpose, and we don’t walk alone.

“And be thankful.”

This little phrase packs a punch. It’s so easy to let other things rule our hearts, such as our career, family, fear, and even busyness. But Paul reminds us to be thankful. Gratitude is a safeguard. It realigns our hearts with what really matters and reminds us who’s in control.

We must constantly check ourselves:

Is Christ ruling my heart?

Am I letting peace reign, or have I let anxiety take the throne?

Am I leading with love or with performance?

The life of the new man is not about perfection. It’s about transformation and a total upheaval of who we were before Christ. And thank goodness, He doesn’t leave us to guess what that looks like. He outlines it clearly in His Word and gives us His presence, His peace, and His people.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

FALL AT VENTURE

KXP, MVMNT, The Gathering, House Church, and Care Groups are all starting back this fall! For launch dates and events, check out the Fall at Venture webpage.