Scripture:
Colossians 3:12-15
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Observations:
God chose us to be holy people. He loves us. Because of this choosing and great love, there are attributes that He wants us to clothe our lives with that will speak volumes to our life changing experience in Christ. These articles of spiritual clothing are:
- tenderhearted mercy
- kindness
- humility
- gentleness
- patience
- allowances for faults
- forgiveness
- love
- peace
- thankfulness
These articles of spiritual clothing are governed by one main piece. That piece of clothing is love. Love is the binding thing that produces harmony with other people. Harmony, in music, complements the other notes being played or sung. Paul is encouraging the believers to compliment other people by living in harmony with one another.
Application:
When a person has become a believer, spiritual growth is a process. One cannot be “born again” and be expected to immediately be a “mature” Christian. Christ wants us to grow in our relationship to Him. Paul addresses this by giving mature and new Christians alike different spiritual clothing that brings each of us into a spiritual harmony of living with each other and those who are not yet believers in Christ. When those people who are not followers of Christ see these things, a difference is seen. It gives testimony not only to the unbeliever, but to the brother and sister in the Lord as well.
In Paul’s list of spiritual clothing, each of the different articles of the heart are the exact replica of what God had toward us. You are created in God’s image and He wants you to reflect Him everywhere and everyday. When a person puts on these attributes of God, this person is reflecting the image of God to the world.
What is it that I am reflecting?
What article of clothing am I lacking?
Do I have a wardrobe malfunction?
How do I show love for fellow man?
Prayer:
God, I thank you for this day. I pray that you would be reflected in my life daily. I pray that you would help me to clothe myself in the things you want me to reflect of you. Help govern my life with love for others and remember that when I do govern by love, it produces harmony. Help me to produce harmony with others. Bless my family and help me to be a positive influence on the people around me and those who come into my life. Amen.
oneguyseyes 