Christ Is All, and in All
A Formation Commentary on Colossians
By Will Bourne · Bourne Again Media LLC
Colossians 1–4 · 1–12
The journey of this volume
What happens when Christ’s central place begins shaping the ordinary life we share? Colossians moves from His supremacy and reconciling work toward rooted faith, renewed humanity, love, prayer, and gracious witness. Begin with chapter 3, where beloved people are called to put on compassion and kindness. This reading invites a life nourished by Christ’s word and made visible through gratitude, wise care, and shared responsibility.
Where could the life I share with others better reflect the compassion I have received in Christ?
What you’ll explore
- Christ’s supremacy and reconciling work
- Beloved identity and renewed life
- Compassion, kindness, and shared peace
- The word of Christ and grateful worship
Received love becoming responsible care
Begin with Colossians 3:12–17 in your Bible. Read Colossians 3:12 through 17 within the renewed humanity described earlier in chapter 3. Notice how identity, virtues, forgiveness, love, peace, and thanksgiving belong together.
The following reading summarizes Commentary 8, “PUTTING ON LOVE PEACE AND THE WORD OF CHRIST,” with a selected excerpt from the manuscript.
Paul addresses people as beloved and calls them to put on the character of their renewed life. Will connects obedience with received love: compassion, kindness, humility, and perseverance answer grace rather than purchasing affection.
Shared life includes friction, forgiveness, and the need for wise discernment. Love joins these virtues, while peace directs the body toward reconciled truth and care for members whose needs could otherwise be overlooked.
The word of Christ, teaching, song, and thanksgiving nourish the community’s life. Attention to Jesus reaches ordinary speech and action, making gratitude and responsible care visible in what people do together.
Received love becoming responsible care
Compassion is not pity that preserves superiority. It listens, believes truthful testimony, asks what help is actually needed, and respects the agency of the person receiving care.
Will Bourne · From Commentary 8 on Colossians 3:12–17, in Christ Is All, and in All
Following Christ through this movement
Christ’s reconciling work gives the renewed humanity its center. Beloved identity and shared belonging come through Him, and His forgiveness shapes the mercy believers extend.
His word nourishes worship and conduct together. Living in His name brings humility, truthful love, and gratitude into the ordinary life of a body whose peace is received and practiced.
Continue in Scripture
John 15:9–12 · Ephesians 4:31–5:2 · Romans 12:9–18
Read these passages alongside the selected manuscript commentary. Keep each literary and historical setting in view while following the biblical witness toward Christ and faithful practice today.
A question to carry
Whose reality needs more attentive listening? What habit could help Christ’s word shape my response before I act or speak?
Stay with one person or situation that comes to mind. Notice what this passage brings into view before deciding how to respond.
Back to section choices ↑One faithful step
Listen to one person’s concrete need without rushing to assume the answer. Offer a proportionate act of kindness or help connect them with appropriate support. Return to a sentence from Colossians 3 in prayer and give thanks for care you have also received.
Back to section choices ↑A prayer for the journey
Jesus, center our shared life in You. Let Your word dwell among us and Your love shape our choices. Holy Spirit, form compassion, kindness, truthful peace, and gratitude that becomes practical care. Amen.
Back to section choices ↑The formation emphasis in this volume
Will’s commentary follows beloved identity into the practical clothing of the new humanity. Compassion listens to real need, kindness takes responsible form, and humility makes room for correction and shared service.
The formation emphasis keeps Christ’s word, worship, and daily conduct together. Love and peace become visible through care that respects people’s dignity, notices overlooked members, and gives thanks for grace received.
Editorial summary of Will Bourne’s manuscript.
Back to section choices ↑