Direct yourself by the Lord's dealings with you. Colossians 3:12-13, "Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."

Look up to God, and do likewise. Don't obtain mercy, and be unmerciful. Those who give mercy have truly experienced God in the gospel. Thus, we have an opportunity when people sin to do kindly and show them the kindness of God. Be directed by the gospel. This is the glorious part of the new life!

Secondly, be thankful. Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful."

Don't take mercy for granted and forget to say, "Thank you." Don't live off God's mercies and neglect to give Him glory. Live your life to worship him, honor him, and praise him. Live to make his shine known.

This is the good life, because he'll give you joys that you never had. Your new heart will be enlightened by his Spirit. He'll give you joy in doing good!

Thirdly, all of our thanksgiving towards God is because of Christ. Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

He's the reason that we have the blessing! He's the centerpiece! God's only begotten Son is the reason we've obtained mercy, because he paid for our sins. He earned the blessings, even the Holy Spirit. He's who God looks to as he blesses us.

Oh,thank God for Jesus Christ. Thank him for his grace and mercy. Know that it's all because of Christ that you have the inheritance. He suffered, he obeyed, and by coming to Christ, God blessed you. He set your eyes upon him, opened your heart to receive him, then all was peace. Forgiveness is yours, and so is power, all because Christ earned acceptance and the Spirit. Believing in him brought you everything!

Fourthly, fearing the Lord motivates us. Colossians 3:22, "Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord."

We are not serving men but the Lord Jesus Christ, and from him we have our reward. No matter how cruel our master, how bitter the earthly relationship, or how hard the circumstance, our interaction with people is governed by our relationship with God [vs18-25]. We fear him, trust him, and obey him. He has the highest place.

He redeemed us from slavery to corruption. Like Mephibosheth, we say, "Let Ziba have it all. It's enough that the king has returned in peace." We give our all to Christ, because he gave his all to us, when we were lost - a dead dog sinners [2 Sam 9:8; 2 Sam 19:30]. Now, live to honor and serve him above all else.

Finally, in everything, act as those who have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1, "Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."

Look up to God, as you deal with people. Do nothing merely from selfish ambition, self praise, and self will. Live as someone redeemed by a gracious Lord who holds you accountable - a Master who rules you lovingly, wisely, and graciously… an Authority who is benevolent and good!