Grace is Alive!

Dwell in you richly…Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Did you notice the context of verse 16? Please read again Colossians chapter 3 from verse 1 thru verse 17. Notice how Paul encourages us to put off the things that harm others, verses 8 thru 11. Then put on, as the elect of God, the things of God, help others. Notice what takes root inside bears fruit outside!

The Holy Spirit does not quietly reside within you. 

He is teaching you and admonishing you as one in a group of people who love each other. 

He is active in all aspects of your life; especially your thinking. 

He is providing motivation to your heart; especially your love of God and His saints. 

He is the source of your power of righteousness; especially towards service to God the Father.

James speaks of the indwelling word of Christ in 1:21: Therefore lay aside all filthiness and abundance of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Therein lies the mystery of doing well, receiving the implanted word. We tend to make it about us. We want to make it all about ‘doing’ when it is actually all about ‘receiving.’ It isn’t about you. It is actually all about God.

It is about grace; singing with grace in your hearts. We sing to God. Without shame, we sing in the hearing of others. Let everyone sing to the Lord, for He is Good and His mercies endure forever! 

How could it not be all about grace? For whatever you do in word or deed, by His Spirit, you do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him! (Verse 17, paraphrased.) Because grace is alive and active in you!