“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
In seminary years ago, we students were given some practical advice: “You’ll be physically close to people, so make sure you look good and smell good.” I laughed but never forgot those words.
After telling us what we are to put off, Paul tells us what to put on. He reminds us we are God’s chosen, holy, and dearly loved ones. As such, we must spiritually “dress up” in qualities that will not only influence our human relationships, but also will model Jesus. Christ followers in the ancient world often were set apart by their compassion. Today your “random act of kindness” may speak volumes. How our world needs humility to counter self-love, gentleness to show strength under control, and patience to endure trouble!
Until we are in heaven, we will struggle to “wear” these garments well. Praise God that though we cannot be perfectly compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, or patient, Jesus is! And His robe of righteousness is freely given to us. Because of Him, we’ll “look good” in our garments of His grace!
After telling us what we are to put off, Paul tells us what to put on. He reminds us we are God’s chosen, holy, and dearly loved ones. As such, we must spiritually “dress up” in qualities that will not only influence our human relationships, but also will model Jesus. Christ followers in the ancient world often were set apart by their compassion. Today your “random act of kindness” may speak volumes. How our world needs humility to counter self-love, gentleness to show strength under control, and patience to endure trouble!
Until we are in heaven, we will struggle to “wear” these garments well. Praise God that though we cannot be perfectly compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, or patient, Jesus is! And His robe of righteousness is freely given to us. Because of Him, we’ll “look good” in our garments of His grace!
Scripture Focus
Galatians 5:22-26
Insight
“Think how different our world … would be if these qualities each expressed in our uniquely personal way, marked the way we lived.” (Michael Casey, 2013)
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 15-16
- Psalm 138
- Philippians 1-2
