"Seek those things which are above" Dusty Pic, Cool Photo Effect

Colossians 3:1 says:

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (ESV)

Commentary

Paul is reminding believers of their new identity in Christ. The phrase "raised with Christ" refers to the spiritual reality that those who trust in Jesus share in His resurrection life. Because of that, Christians are called to live differently.

"Seek the things that are above" does not mean ignoring earthly responsibilities or spending all day thinking about heaven. Rather, it means making God's values, priorities, and purposes the focus of daily life. Christians are to pursue things such as:

• Love
• Holiness
• Compassion
• Truth
• Worship
• Eternal purposes

Paul points to Christ being "seated at the right hand of God", a position of authority, honor, and victory. By directing believers' attention to the exalted Christ, he encourages them to live from the perspective of God's kingdom instead of being controlled by temporary earthly concerns.

Practical Application

For a busy mom, student, or anyone navigating daily pressures, Colossians 3:1 is an invitation to ask:

• What am I pursuing most intensely right now?
• Do my priorities reflect my relationship with Christ?
• Am I viewing today's challenges from an eternal perspective?

The verse teaches that our actions flow from our identity. We do not seek God in order to become His children; we seek Him because we already belong to Him through Christ.

Reflection

A simple paraphrase might be:

"Since you have been given new life through Jesus, make God's kingdom and Christ's priorities the focus of your life."

For someone balancing faith, family, and college, this verse can be a gentle reminder that even ordinary tasks, studying, parenting, creating, and serving, can be done with a heart set on Christ rather than merely getting through the day.

Love is patient, love is kind…

 1 Corinthians 13:4

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Short Commentary:

Paul begins his description of love by focusing on actions rather than feelings. True Christian love shows patience when others are difficult and responds with kindness even when it is undeserved. Love is not jealous of another person's blessings, nor does it seek attention or praise for itself. Instead of being proud and self-centered, genuine love is humble and seeks the good of others. This verse challenges believers to reflect God's character by treating people with grace, humility, and compassion in everyday relationships.

The word translated "love" in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is the Greek word agapē (ἀγάπη), which is the New Testament's primary term for selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love.

What is especially significant is that Paul does not define agapē as an emotion. Instead, he describes it through attitudes and actions:

• "Love is patient": Agapē endures the weaknesses and failures of others.
• "Love is kind": Agapē actively seeks to do good for others.
• "It does not envy": Agapē celebrates another person's blessings instead of resenting them.
• "It does not boast, it is not proud": Agapē is humble and does not seek recognition or superiority.

In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul was correcting divisions and selfish behavior in the church. He was teaching that spiritual gifts, knowledge, and service are meaningless if they are not motivated by agapē love.

A simple way to understand agapē is:

Agapē is choosing to seek another person's good, even when it costs you something and regardless of what you receive in return.

Many Christians also see this passage as reflecting the character of Jesus Himself. If you substitute Christ's name into the verse, it fits perfectly:

"Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud."

That helps explain why Paul presents agapē as the highest expression of Christian living.

22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.

 

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Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that even in the middle of grief and hardship, God’s love has not run out.
This verse comes from a difficult place—Lamentations is full of sorrow—yet right there, hope breaks through. It tells us that God’s mercy isn’t something we use up. It renews daily, like a fresh start every morning.

Even when life feels heavy or uncertain, God’s faithfulness remains steady. Not because our circumstances change overnight, but because He does not change.

Each morning is an invitation to begin again—covered in grace, not yesterday’s failures.

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💛