Paul's beautiful vision of life in the church

[a mere housewife]

I know the church is 'the hospital and guest house of the sick' (Samuel Rutherford) and we certainly have need to remember this of ourselves and one another. Yet there is something so beautiful in Paul's vision of life in the church as we do practice compassion and love and forbearance with one another -- I read this this morning from Matthew Henry/Thomas Scott's commentary, on Colossians 3:12-17, and think it is one of my favorite sections of this commentary. (I was trying to find one of Joshua's Matthew Henry threads to add this to, but they are closed.) The few ellipses are simply to better emphasise the flow of thought.

We must not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well; not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. The argument to enforce the exhortation, is very affecting; Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved. . . . Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and loving towards all men. Observe, what is to be put on in particular. 1. Compassion toward the miserable; bowels of mercy, the tenderest mercies. Those who owe so much to mercy, ought to be merciful. 2. Kindness toward our friends. A courteous disposition becomes the elect of God; the gospel promotes friendship among men, as well as reconciliation with God. 3. Humbleness of mind, in submission to those above us, and condescension to those below us. Not only humble behaviour but a humble mind. 4. Meekness toward those who have been injurious to us. 5. Long-suffering toward those who continue to provoke us. Charity suffereth long, as well as is kind, 1 Cor. 13:4. Many can bear a short provocation, who are weary of bearing it long. But we must suffer long, both the injuries of men and the rebukes of Divine Providence. 6. Mutual forbearance, in consideration of the infirmities and deficiencies we are all under. All have something to be borne with. 7. Readiness to forgive injuries; forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, and so many occasions of difference and contention, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another in such cases, and pass it by, copying the forgiveness through which we are saved. That we are forgiven by Christ so many offences, is a good reason we should forgive others.
Christ has been gracious unto you. The Lord Jesus Christ is here mentioned as the Author and Bestower of the greatest possible blessings.
In order to this, we are, 1. To clothe ourselves with love. Above all things put on charity; over all things charity, active or liberal love. Let this be the upper garment, the robe, the livery, the mark of our dignity and distinction. Let this be our principal and chief aim, as the sum of the second table, putting on love which is the bond of perfectness, that it may appear in every part of our conduct. . . . 2. To submit to the government and peace of God. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . As the peace of God in their hearts and consciences was the source of all their comforts, that peace should rule within them, that they might be influenced to live peaceably with all men. We are called to peace with God as our privilege, and to peace with our brethren as our duty. . . . 3. To let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. The gospel is the word of Christ, which is come to us; but that is not enough, it must dwell in us, not as a servant in a family under control, but as a master who has a right to direct all under his roof. We must take our instructions and directions from it; and our portion of meat and strength, of grace and comfort, in due season. It must dwell in us; be always available to us, and have its influence and use. . . . 4. To teach and admonish one another. We improve our knowledge by communicating it for mutual edification. . . . 5. All must be done in the name of Christ; according to his command and in compliance with his authority, by strength derived from him; with regard to his glory; and depending upon him alone for the acceptance of what is good, and the pardon of what is amiss. Whatever we are employed about, whether conversation, religious worship, business, or domestic concerns, or works of piety and charity, let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus; in believing dependence on his merits and grace, in obedience to his precepts and for the honour of his name, giving thanks to God, even the Father, by him; as such services can only be accepted from sinners through his intercession.