Duct (duck) tape. I have different kinds of rolls at home. I have black tape, silver tape, gorilla tape and even different colors so it can match (somewhat) the color of whatever I’m working on. I have a huge roll in my truck in addition to my tools. My tools are essential, but my toolbox wouldn’t be complete without duct tape, as it can fix and repair things that can’t be fixed otherwise. Many of you have also discovered its usefulness. I found that repairing something with duct tape can be as effective as using nails or glue and many times does a better job. It reinforces just about anything and can be used creatively to make belts, bags, wallets and hats. Be sure to take plenty of duct tape along when camping. It can be used to fix a tear in your tent, serve as a rope if you roll it up tight, be made into an arm sling, reinforce your shoes and even be made into a hammock. Suffice it to say, no household should be without duct tape. Quite frankly, it’s indispensable as many of you can testify.
God also has duct tape that serves a variety of functions. God’s duct tape in various translations is said to bond, hold, tie, bind, join and is the all purpose element in keeping things together. Obviously, it is an indispensable item for every Christian’s toolbox. How does it work and what is it called? It’s usefulness is described in Colossians 3:12-14. God’s duct tape is called “LOVE.”
•As God’s people, we are expected to be gentle, kind, humble, meek and patient, while “love” holds all of these together. Individually these are vital “tools” in our Christian life, but love is the duct tape that strengthens and ties them together. We're also told to forgive each other when someone hurts us. I Peter 4:8 tells us that "love covers a multitude of sins." Forgiveness and love work hand-in-hand but don't stop with only forgiving others. Like duct tape, which can be made into a personal arm sling, love should include personal care. So forgive yourself, be kind to yourself, be gentle and be patient when you get frustrated. No matter what problem(s) you're facing, love strengthens, heals and ultimately brings everything into wholeness. Love comes from God and is a gift to be liberally used in all circumstances. Bottom line: Keep God's duct tape (love) handy and use it frequently to keep your life "completely together." It's indispensable and "more important than anything else!"
- God loves you and has chosen you as God’s [his] own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek and patient.
- Put up with each other, forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. (italics mine) (CEV)
•As God’s people, we are expected to be gentle, kind, humble, meek and patient, while “love” holds all of these together. Individually these are vital “tools” in our Christian life, but love is the duct tape that strengthens and ties them together. We're also told to forgive each other when someone hurts us. I Peter 4:8 tells us that "love covers a multitude of sins." Forgiveness and love work hand-in-hand but don't stop with only forgiving others. Like duct tape, which can be made into a personal arm sling, love should include personal care. So forgive yourself, be kind to yourself, be gentle and be patient when you get frustrated. No matter what problem(s) you're facing, love strengthens, heals and ultimately brings everything into wholeness. Love comes from God and is a gift to be liberally used in all circumstances. Bottom line: Keep God's duct tape (love) handy and use it frequently to keep your life "completely together." It's indispensable and "more important than anything else!"