Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:12-17
Key Verse:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom.”
— Colossians 3:16a, NRSV
Reflection:
Paul writes to a community. He urges them to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. He tells them to bear with one another, forgive one another, and let the peace of Christ rule among them. Even when he speaks of the word of Christ dwelling richly within them, he immediately connects it to teaching, encouraging, and worshiping together. Growth is never presented as a solitary achievement. Whatever God is cultivating in one person is meant to strengthen the whole body.
That changes how we think about spiritual growth. God rarely changes our lives simply for our benefit. As we become more compassionate, more patient, more courageous, or more faithful, our relationships begin to change as well. The work God does within us is meant to become a gift to others. If you received a Star Word earlier this year, this may be a good time to revisit it through that lens. If your word is steadfast, perhaps someone around you needs someone who refuses to walk away when life becomes difficult. If your word is listen, perhaps God is teaching you to create space for another person’s story to finally be heard. If your word is reconcile, maybe your calling this season is to help repair fractured relationships. If your word is joy, perhaps your gift is to remind a weary community that hope is still possible.
Communities become healthier when people stop asking only, “How am I growing?” and begin asking, “How is my growth helping someone else flourish?” That is how the body of Christ matures. God’s gifts are never merely possessions to hoard. They become practices that shape others’ lives. As your Star Word continues to unfold throughout the year, let it remind you that God is forming you not only for your own sake but also for the sake of the people whose lives touch yours.
Writing Prompt:
What gift is God cultivating in me that someone else may need? If you received a Star Word, how does it challenge you to become a gift to others rather than simply becoming a better version of yourself?
Application:
If you have a Star Word, place it somewhere you will see it often today. Whether you have one or not, intentionally practice one quality you believe God is nurturing in your life during an interaction with another person.
Prayer:
Living God, keep shaping my life through your grace. May the work you are doing in me become a blessing for someone else. Teach me to grow with others and for others. Amen.