Pastor Jim Mann
What to wear? Have you ever stood at the closet door asking that very question, or perhaps sat waiting on your spouse who is attempting to answer that question? Well, the answer’s easier than you might think. The Apostle Paul gives us the answer in his letter to the Colossians.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV).”
A few verses earlier (3:8) Paul told us to “rid ourselves” of anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. The Greek word there is the same word for disrobing. Once we take off these raggedy, dirty clothes, what should we put on?
These rags are exchanged for the beautiful wardrobe he describes here:
Compassion is kindness expressed in thought—that we actually care for others;
Kindness is expressed in word and deed—we don’t just think nice things about others but actually do them;
Humility puts others’ needs and interests before our own;
Gentleness describes the calm and peaceful way we treat others;
Patience is often translated as longsuffering…not reacting in passion before we think about our response to others;
Bearing with each other means putting up with each other; and
Forgiving…well, we know what that means—but the Apostle reminds us that Jesus is our great example…he forgave his executioners from the cross!
Each of these garments with which we are called to clothe ourselves describes how we relate to others. But none of it is possible without love.
When you’re having a hard time with someone and you’re contemplating donning a “shirt of rage” or “sweater of patience,” remember this: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died (2 Corinthians 5:14, NIV).”
God loves that person (yes, even that person), so ask Him to help you love them, too. Because of God’s love for us, we should never run out of things to wear.
I’ll see you in church!
Jim Mann, Ph.D. pastors New Life Church at Robson Ranch. This interdenominational church meets at the Robson clubhouse on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Visit New Life’s website: www.NewLifeDenton.org for more information.