Read Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Compassion isn’t something we ‘do’, it is something that we are – something that defines us as Christians. Clothing has been a feature of human life since the beginning of time. Its purpose is functional – it covers our bodies – but clothing also plays a role in defining our cultural and personal identities.
I am a mother of a young family. I love being outside, being active, and playing sports. If you see me out and about Monday – Saturday, my clothes (generally jogging pants, a camp T-Shirt, and a hoodie), would tell you everything you need to know about me without me even having to speak!
When Paul tells us to “clothe ourselves with compassion” he is drawing on a powerful metaphor. In the same way that clothes are a defining feature of who we are, Paul is telling us to make sure that compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are the first things that people notice about us. He is also reminding us that, like clothing, these character traits sometimes have to be chosen. As God transforms us into his image over time, these characteristics become natural parts of our personality, but more often than not, they still have to be chosen intentionally.
Reflection: Take some time today to reflect on what your clothes say about you. When people pass you in the grocery store aisle, what do they notice about you? Pray over the Scripture passage, asking God to develop these characteristics in you.
