Daily devotional · October 5
Dressed for the Day
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.”
Paul uses the image of clothing. Before leaving the house, you choose what to wear, and he says believers should choose compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience just as deliberately. These qualities are not personality types some people are born with; they are things we put on, sometimes against our mood. He adds that we should forgive as we have been forgiven, and that love ties everything together like a belt. Peace is then invited to rule the heart, like a referee among competing feelings. Today, before you start work or open your messages, pause and choose one quality from the list to wear on purpose. When irritation comes, remember it. Notice how the day changes when your first reaction is patience rather than defense. Ask for help where forgiveness is hard.
Prayer
Lord, clothe me today with kindness and patience, and let Your peace rule my heart. Amen.