Day 44: New Clothes!

 

Colossians 3:12-15

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness 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.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Comments

Paul here speaks of a new wardrobe, one that will never go out of fashion.

The elements in the wardrobe are each designed to enhance community; none is of value for those who live their lives in isolation.

The purpose of each element in the wardrobe is not to make the wearer look good in order to impress others, but rather to do good by devotion of self to the needs of others.

Reflections

There are eight elements listed in this wardrobe: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness and love. How would members of your family or others who know you best rate you on these characteristics?

These wardrobe elements are not the kind of things that can be either bought or earned: they are gifts from God received as we abide in Christ. How are your quiet times going these days?

Prayer

Help me, Lord, not to live in the shame of nakedness, but in the splendor and majesty that come from being clothed with your love.