Harsh

Is there a gap between what you believe about Jesus and how you actually live? You are not alone, and Scripture speaks directly to this struggle. Colossians 3 lays out a practical and honest path for closing the distance between faith and everyday life. This teaching walks through the core of the Gospel: humanity was made in God's image, sin broke that image, Jesus came as the perfect image bearer and restored our relationship with God through His death and resurrection, and now believers are being renewed into the image they were always meant to carry. That renewal is the foundation for everything. From there, three practical steps emerge for closing the gap between believing in Jesus and living like Jesus. First, becoming a loving person requires removing what does not belong. Paul writes in Colossians 3 that believers must put to death the behaviors of their old nature, including anger, greed, lust, dishonesty, and slander. These things take up space that was never meant for them. When they are removed, we are freed to reflect the image of God the way we were created to. Second, behavior change alone is not enough. Real transformation begins with an inward renewal. Colossians 3 describes putting off the old self and putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. This process looks different for everyone and moves at different paces. What matters is not how fast the gap is closing, but that it is closing and not widening. There is also an important distinction made here between a hypocrite and someone still being formed. A Christian who struggles and sometimes fails is not a hypocrite. A hypocrite is someone who actively chooses to protect the gap rather than close it. Third, treating others the way Jesus did is central to living out this renewed life. Colossians 3 calls believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and to forgive others the way Christ has forgiven them. Before correcting someone who is struggling, the better first question is asking the Holy Spirit how He would have us love that person in that moment. The Holy Spirit equips believers for every situation. Instead of anger, He offers love. Instead of greed, generosity. Instead of dishonesty, truth. And every time He prompts us to live differently, He also provides the strength to follow through. Keywords: Colossians 3, closing the gap, faith and works, Christian growth, sanctification, becoming like Jesus, Holy Spirit transformation, Christian living, image of God, spiritual formation, how to live like Jesus, Christian hypocrisy, putting off the old self, putting on the new self, compassion kindness humility, forgiveness in the Bible, Gospel of Jesus Christ, Christian discipleship, spiritual renewal, Bible teaching -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New to Flatland? We would love to meet you. You can fill out a digital connect card at today.flatland.church Give To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://flatlandchurch.com/give/ Follow Flatland Church Instagram: / flatlandchurch Facebook: / flatlandchurch Website: https://www.flatlandchurch.com