1.29.2026 - James Lee

Thursday, January 29, 2026

This week’s devotions are written by Rev. James Lee. Born in Orange County, raised in the San Gabriel Valley, James desperately holds onto his SoCal roots while currently serving on the opposite coast as the lead pastor of Christ Community CRC on Long Island (about 60miles east of NYC). He has also had the privilege to serve in various capacities for the Christian Reformed Church denomination. James is married to his better half Jin-Young and together, they have three beautiful children.

Colossians 3:13-14

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Though I currently reside in New York, my roots are in Southern California. Therefore, I will forever be a Los Angeles Dodgers fan. I even stayed up until 3AM local time to cheer on the team during Game 3 of the 2025 World Series--the 18-inning thriller. People who know me see my fandom as I am often clothed in Dodgers gear. I am unashamed to be a proud Dodgers fan, even thousands of miles away from my hometown. But are we unashamed to be a proud follower of Jesus?

The Book of Colossians in its first two chapters talks about the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Paul gives a call for believers to cultivate the virtues and values of our Christ through His compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. How we speak, how we act, what we wear, how we live… it all should reflect the supremacy and sufficiency of our Christ. 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12). One of the hardest things to do is forgive those who have wronged us. But the more we reflect on what Jesus did for us in how He forgave us, the more we will be able to forgive those around us. That forgiveness isn’t to avoid a wrong or right a wrong on our own. That forgiveness is to actively reflect the character of Christ. That forgiveness is the perfect example of how the love of Christ holds these virtues together in unity. 

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (v. 14). The love of Christ is a defining mark of spiritual maturity. The love of Christ exemplified also shows the true character and actions of individuals whose hearts are rooted in Christ. Therefore, the deeper those roots are, the stronger the peace of Christ will be. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (v. 15). Why do we struggle to forgive others? Why do we struggle to experience forgiveness? I believe it’s because we’re too busy compartmentalizing the love of Christ, the peace of Christ, and the morality of Christ. Christian unity teaches us that each goes hand in hand so that we can be fueled by the love of Christ and be comforted by the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding.