"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another . . . "
These words (above) pretty well wrap up the "nuts and bolts" of the life of faith. In relation to other human beings, it is all about love, grace, and forgiveness. After all, since the elect churchman has been given these benefits by God Himself, does it not make sense that we would be called upon by our Father in heaven to emulate Him (in showing them to others)?
Is obedience to this text easy? No. Actually, it is impossible (in the flesh). But our salvation was also a miracle. Since God has made His faith-filled churchmen new creatures, we are able, by grace, to do as He says.
[Puritan quote of the day: "As the oil poured on the head of Aaron went down to the skirts of his garments, so the Spirit poured on Christ, the Head, descends to all His members." --Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Peace which Christ gives His True Followers"]
