In this letter to the Colossian church, Paul says to the saints in chapter 3, that they must focus on Christ alone and become who they are in him (Col. 3:1–4). The church must become marked by the practices of this new humanity, putting on above all the cardinal virtue of love.

In Colossians 3:16, Paul urges the Colossians to “let the word of Christ dwell” among them richly. The message of Christ was to inhabit the center of the community’s life and worship. It was to be allowed to penetrate deeply and richly, thus producing a flourishing, Christ-following community. 

1. The Reason for the Command (v.12)
2. The Recipients of the Command (v.13) 
3. The Results of the Command (v.14-16) 

We live in a world with its own set of one-anothers: one-another brokenness, one-another hatred, one-another manipulation, one-another selfishness. And local churches exist to show a different way of life — a different Lord of life. This Lord reconciles us not only to himself, but to each other, creating one-another love out of one-another pain.

Only when we “let the peace that comes from Christ” rule in our hearts can we bear with one another and live in unity as we are called to do as members of one body (Colossians 3:15).

Getting Started                          

1. There is a scene from the movie “Madagascar” where the leader of the penguins says “Just smile and wave, boys. Just smile and wave.” Has there been a time when you have had to just “grin and bear it”, like these penguins?

•  Read Colossians 3:12-17

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. Paul gives a very specific reason why the command to “bear with one another” must be obeyed. Can you identify it? (Refer to v.12).
4. The ASV says in Col 3:12 “Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering”. Why does it refer to the heart instead of behaviour?
5. Which three “One-Anothers” are included in verses 12-17?

 The Heart of the Matter

6. According to verse 16, what is the sign that God's word dwells richly within believers?
7. According to verse 17, what is the outcome on our everyday life as a result of our thanksgiving?
8. How do Christians who are walking in the “One-Anothers”, advance the Lord’s Great Commission? (Refer to John 13:34-35)