Clothed in compassion
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”Colossians 3:12-13
Reflection
Paul uses an image from the wardrobe to speak of character: "Put on". Christ does not only ask us to change behavior, but to put on a new garment, like someone choosing each morning what to wear. And notice that, before any command, he says who we are: "as the elect of God, holy and beloved". Identity comes first. We do not clothe ourselves in kindness to win God's love, but because we are already loved and chosen. Behavior is born of identity, not the other way around.
See the pieces in the wardrobe: mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Each is a fabric God desires to see in us. Mercy is feeling with the one who suffers and acting. Kindness is doing good without expecting anything. Humbleness is not placing yourself above others. Meekness is strength under control. Longsuffering is enduring without exploding. They are pieces that do not match haste, pride or irritation, and so they often require us to take off an old garment before putting on the new one.
Then Paul applies this to relationships: "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any". He does not presume that living together is easy. He speaks of forbearing, of having quarrels, of needing to forgive. Real community (family, church, work) is made of imperfect people, and these pieces of character only become real when worn in conflict. And the model is clear and demanding: "even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye". The forgiveness we have received is the measure of the forgiveness we offer.
Today, as you begin the day, make this choice literally: which piece should I put on? Perhaps you need meekness for a hard conversation, patience with a specific person, mercy for someone who failed. Ask God for the right "clothing" for the day. And if there is a hurt you have been keeping, consider that Christ has already forgiven you a much greater debt. Dressing this way is an act of faith: trusting that, in Christ, we are loved enough to love others in the same way.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me Your elect, holy and beloved. Help me put on today mercy, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering. Give me grace to forbear and forgive, as You forgave me. May the people around me see Christ in the clothing I wear. Amen.
Put it into practice
When you wake, choose the "piece" you will need most today (patience, meekness, mercy) and ask God for it. If there is a hurt you have been keeping, decide to forgive today, remembering how Christ forgave you.
To reflect on
Which piece of Christ's character (mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering) is most missing from your "wardrobe" today, and with whom would it be most needed?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).