Richly. I like that word. From a fleshly perspective, I think of dishing up a slice of pizza with strings of gooey mozzarella that stretch from the serving spatula all the way to my plate. This is pizza that leaves me feeling full and satisfied. (Unfortunately, this version of my favorite nourishment doesn’t seem to exist in my host country!)

Richly. This is how the message of Christ is to dwell in me, too. It is to satisfy my soul even more deeply than the gooey mass of calories contained in an American deep-dish pizza. Looking for that rich bite, I turn to Colossians 3.  I see how the character traits the Spirit exhorts me to embody Christ. If these same traits dwell in me, then Christ’s rich message is deep inside me, warming my tummy and satisfying my soul. 

To contrast this, spatting with my husband leaves me shriveled and hungry. Of course, right in the middle of writing this devotional, words flew between us. Afterward, Colossians 3 gently rained on me as I hid in the shower: get rid of anger, don’t lie to each other, be renewed, clothe yourself with humility, gentleness, patience, and the biggie – forgive anyone who offends you. 

Satisfied or shriveled. God gives me a choice. Will I let the message about Christ dwell in me, or will I choose to nourish my spirit with the “apple” of this world: my rights which ride directly on the back of my pride? Will I remember that Christ forgave me, and extend this forgiveness to my husband, or choose to walk in hunger all day?

Today I chose to fill myself with the richness of Christ’s message. I pray you do, too.