Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Each day we wake up and choose clothing to wear. If you work you select clothing appropriate for completing your job. If you have a special event you select clothing that reflects that activity, such as prom or formal. We choose our clothing with the intent of recognizing specific purposes.
Just as we choose our clothing for our bodies we should also choose to clothe our minds and hearts appropriately. In these verses we are reminded to clothe ourselves with the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. As we go through our day, we should be mindful of these virtues. It is through our compassion and kindness that we walk alongside our friends and fellow believers, bearing with them, lifting them up, and forgiving them.
Paul tells us we are to forgive others as God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness is a deliberate choice we make to release someone from the penalty they deserve. It is a willful act of grace. We choose to let go of the hurt, pain, anger, and emotional response we feel based on the offense.
And all of this is accomplished through our choice to clothe ourselves with love, which acts as the glue that binds everything together (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). The Greek term for “binds” means something that fastens or connects everything to achieve unity. Our love connects the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience creating something strong and pure. We are united with our friends and neighbors in a perfect union of peace and harmony, reflecting Christ’s perfect love (John 17:23).
Choose today to not only clothe your body, but also your mind and heart. Choose love and forgiveness, being patient with one another and drawing close in perfect unity.
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