January 7

Introduction

Colossians 3:5–17: In today’s reading, Paul reminds the Colossians that they are people of God, united as a community bound by love. He admonishes the people to get rid of those habits that are aligned with “the old self” in order to “put on the new self.”

Today’s Key Verse: Colossians 3:17

Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.

Reflect

What does it mean to you to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self” (verses 9–10)? In verses 5–10, what behaviors are cited as necessary to abandon in order to become a “new being?” Reread verses 12–17. How do you envision a community that reflects the unity Paul describes?

Pray

Lord God, I pray that Christ’s message may live in my heart and that, each day, I can sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to you. May everything I do be done in the name of your Son, Jesus, and may Christ’s peace guide me and rule in my heart. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Colossians 4:2–18: The apostle Paul encourages the Colossians to be persistent in prayer.