“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” (Colossians 3:14, NKJV)

• This lesson is about living the new life in Christ.
  
  
• Paul explains that when we accept Jesus, our old life must change.
  
  
• Certain things must be removed, and new qualities must take their place.
  
  
• After listing many Christian virtues, Paul tells us the most important one—love.
  
  

“But above all these things…”

• Paul has already listed several beautiful qualities that should mark the Christian life: tender mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness (Col. 3:12–13).
  
  
• These are qualities that reflect the character of Christ.
  
  
• But Paul says something stands above all of them.
  
  
• Love is not just another virtue added to the list.
  
  
• It is the one that gives meaning and strength to all the others.
  
  

“…put on love…”

• Throughout this chapter, Paul uses the language of clothing.
  
  
• We have taken off the old self with its sinful habits.
  
  
• We have put on the new self, renewed in the image of Christ (Col. 3:9–10).
  
  
• Now Paul says we must put on love like a garment we wear every day.
  
  
• Love is not merely a feeling that comes and goes.
  
  
• It is a daily choice to treat others with the same grace and compassion Christ shows us.
  
  
• When Christ lives in us, His love begins to shape how we think, speak, and act.
  
  

“…which is the bond of perfection.”

• A bond is something that ties things together.
  
  
• Love is the glue that holds all the other virtues in place.
  
  

• Without love:
  
  

  • • Kindness can feel empty.
      
      
    • Patience can quickly disappear.
      
      
    • Forgiveness can become a burden.
      
      
• But when love is present, all these qualities work together in harmony.
  
  
• Paul calls this “perfection,” meaning a complete and mature Christian character shaped by the love of Christ.
  
  
• God Himself is love (1 John 4:8).
  
  
• When His love fills our hearts, our character begins to reflect His.
  
  

What this means for you

• Love is a choice, not just a feeling. Each day you can choose to put on love in how you speak, listen, and respond to others.
  
  
• Love holds relationships together—in the home, in the church, and in the community.
  
  
• Love reveals Jesus. When people see genuine love in your life, they see the character of God.
  
  

Put on love. Let it be the bond that holds your life together. This is how we truly live with Christ.