Christian Character
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to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no
brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.... This is a
faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that
they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good
works. These things are good and profitable unto men” (
Titus 3:1-8
).
Paul seeks to impress upon our minds the fact that the foundation
of all acceptable service to God, as well as the very crown of the
Christian graces, is love; and that only in the soul where love reigns
will the peace of God abide. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God,
holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one
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another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave
you, so also do ye. And above all these things on charity, which is
the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 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. And whatsoever ye do
in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God and the Father of him” (
Colossians 3:12-17
).
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