Everyday, essential wisdom – that’s what we find in these few verses from Colossians. These are truths to linger in; truths we need to make room to soak into our soul and heal us. It can be tempting to take a willful approach to dressing ourselves in the character of Christ. Yet the kind of clothing mentioned here is the kind the Spirit forms in us over time, from the inside out. Certainly our willing cooperation is needed in dressing in God clothes. Often we need someone to see and recognize these qualities within ourselves. Their eyes and voices help us grow into our God clothes.
Love looks beautiful on you!
Colossians 3:12-17 NLT
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.
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:12-17 TMG
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word or phrase that stood out for you – that spoke just to you? Note it here, and then write 2-3 sentences about it.
What did you notice was your inner response as you listened? (Agitated, confused, peaceful, joy-filled, hopeful, anger, nothing, etc.?)
Would you be willing to speak to Jesus about these feelings? You might express your gratitude, doubt, wonder, love, confusion, etc. to him. Linger in the presence of Jesus.
print pdf
