“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 ESV
In today’s cultural, political, and social climate, it’s easy to “put on” anger, criticism, pride, resentment, and division—sometimes without even realizing it!
Every day we choose what to wear. But have you ever considered what we’re wearing spiritually?
When Paul wrote to the Colossian believers, he reminded them to put off the old self and put on the new self (Col. 3:9–10). In a culture divided by ethnicity, religion, and social status, Paul pointed them to their new identity IN Jesus.
But here’s what I LOVE!
Before Paul tells us WHAT to put on, he reminds us WHO we are—chosen, holy, and beloved by God!
We don’t put on compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love to earn God’s acceptance. We put them on because we are already loved and accepted IN Jesus!
We’re not dressing to impress God. We’re dressing to express the life of Jesus within us! I like that! We dress to express Jesus! Let’s make that our daily desire, that we get dressed with God’s heart, character to express His image to those around us!
But I’m also asking myself, “Am I wearing the attitudes of my carnal nature or worldliness, or reflecting and expressing the heart of Jesus?”
I thank God for God’s radical and unconditional love and grace, to accept me on the basis of His character and heart and not my performance or acts of righteousness 🙂
Have a blessed day and week as we dress to express—and impress (glorify)—Jesus!
