“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12).
Paul, in this passage is discussing the character of the elect of God. He calls upon them to be holy, humble, kind, longsuffering, and willing to forgive. The overriding command is to put on love.
It is observed that the call to love is the overriding commandment of God. It encapsulates the law and the prophets (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). It is the characteristic that will preeminently identify a man or woman as a disciple of Jesus. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
In our text, this love is referred to as “the bond of perfection.” This word indicates a measure of completeness, or maturity to which the child of God strives. One who is capable of loving as God expects is a mature, complete Christian. Without love, regardless of the good works done, it is of no real profit (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). True Christian charity, or love, is indispensable. It serves to bind the other Christian graces together.
Do you want to be perfect, complete, whole? Put on love!
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