Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God.  Colossians 3:16, TLV

Love Richly.    The context of this verse is so important to another series of verses. Why? What we read in today’s verse is uplifting. A bit of teaching and admonishing — which is a fancy way of saying rebuking — but a lot of singing and wisdom and gratitude. Do you feel the context of love from the heart of Messiah?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience— (vs. 12, TLV)

And even more, we are to clothe ourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience … and the gentle attributes continue. Love is the context.

Why is this important to note?

Why is this important? Because of this verse:

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. (vs. 18, TLV)

That verse, and similar verses, is why context is so important. Verse 18 has been used as justification for spousal abuse and expected subservient behavior from women. Context tells us that the husband’s responsibility is even more important.

Husbands, love your wives and do not become harsh toward them. (vs. 19, TLV)

I love Paul’s version to the Ephesians:

Husbands, love your wives just as Messiah also loved His community and gave Himself up for her …  (Ephesians 5:25, TLV)

By the way, it works both ways between husbands and wives. The point is there should be no abuse within the Body of Messiah.***

Everyday spousal and child abuse occurs within the redeemed children of our Heavenly Father. Physical and emotional abuse is hidden under false teaching. If this is going on in your family or congregation, know that this is not GOD’s will. Seek help. You may need to seek counsel outside your close circle — even outside your leadership, unfortunately.

All around us is abuse of every kind, but in our Father’s family, there should be none because the word of our Messiah dwells in us richly.

Until tomorrow, love richly and please continue to pray for Israel and the innocents caught in the crossfire of an unwanted war. God bless and Shabbat Shalom.

***Advocates are available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and through online chatting at www.TheHotline.org.