A Word That Dwells Among Us

First Christian Church of Chicago
5 hours ago
2 min read

Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…” (NIV)

Devotional Thought

We have all had times when a song was stuck, playing in a loop in our minds. Such songs stuck in our head can shape our mood and our day. Paul invites the church to let the story of Christ saturate the whole community like that — filling its worship, conversations, and relationships.

Interpretation

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly” means letting the good news about Jesus take up permanent residence, not just make an occasional visit, in the center of your life and church family. When Christ’s word dwells in you individually, it fills your heart and mind so deeply that it shapes your choices, your reactions, and even the songs of gratitude that rise up in your soul. When it dwells among you corporately, the whole congregation becomes a home where Scripture is taught, shared, and lovingly used to encourage and correct one another. As that word lives richly in both the individual believer and the gathered body, Christ himself is experienced as the living Lord who guides, unites, and fills his people with thankful worship.

Contemporary Relevance

We can be extremely comfortable with having a Bible we can carry around, whether it be a nice leather-bound edition or an app on our phone. Yet, the Word of God is not meant to be carried as an accessory. It is meant to assume residence within us. However, it is not just for our personal benefit; it forms the shared life of the church. When Scripture dwells richly among us, it changes our culture — our compassion, unity, priorities, and mission. A community steeped in the Word becomes a living witness to Jesus’ character in the world.