Clothe Yourselves

October 12, 2022

Colossians 3:12 - "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" 

What is the first thing you notice about someone (other than their beautiful smile)?  What they are wearing!  It’s the most popular aspect of the Oscars - more people tune into Red-Carpet fashion than the main event.  The subject fills entire magazines and even the nightly news will make a report. 

I'd never want to be a teenager again - I remember worrying for hours over what clothes to wear. Why is that so important? Because it's the first thing we see - the "first impression", whether we are meeting someone new, or our best friend.  But God tells us to wear the fruits of the Spirit: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  That should be as noticeable as our outfit.

Our identity in Christ means we should look, sound, and behave differently. Those are what we should be choosing to wear daily, and they have nothing to do with designer labels!

In the first part of the verse, Paul calls the audience (which includes us) chosen, holy and beloved.  Isn't that beautiful?  "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience". These attributes set us apart, to shine as light to the world, reflecting Jesus and proclaiming His good news!

Take a minute and pray over that list. Does it describe you? Does it describe your role as mom, teacher, wife, friend, grandmother, neighbor? I may not always feel compassionate, or kind or have much patience, but I can choose to put on those traits. 

What are you wearing today?