Daily devotional · September 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. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Paul uses the image of clothing. Before you leave the house you decide what to wear; in the same way, he says, we get dressed spiritually: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. These are not personality traits reserved for naturally sweet people. They are choices, put on each morning, sometimes over a bad mood. Above them all goes love, which Colossians 3:14 calls the thing that holds everything together. The passage adds forgiveness, because anyone who lives among people will collect small offenses, and carrying them makes everything heavier. Then comes the surprising ending: whatever we do, in word or deed, can be done in the name of Jesus with thanks. That includes emails, dishes and traffic. Today, pick one of these garments, patience perhaps, and decide before you start your day where you will most need it. Wear it on purpose.
Also read
“And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:14
Prayer
Lord, clothe me with your compassion and patience. Let everything I do today be done in your name, with thanks.