Tag Archives: Clothe yourselves with compassion

What are you wearing today?

 

What are you wearing today? I’m asking to make sure that we’re coordinating our outfits. Seriously. No, not the colors and patterns of our wardrobe, but a different type of clothes we are all called to wear if we want to follow Jesus.

 

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love which holds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

 

Wouldn’t this be a good scripture passage to put on your closet door or bathroom mirror? Or maybe the rear view mirror of your car. Or your computer monitor or calendar. Put it wherever you will see it often during this next month. Post it on Facebook. Commit it to memory, or at least part of it. What a great reminder, that as we get dressed and check ourselves in the mirror, to check how our heart looks too. Ask others to hold you accountable to this goal.

 

If you’ve taken the challenge to give up complaining and to get rid of bitterness and anger, there’s no better way to accomplish those goals than by “dressing” for success. After all, no one puts on a formal dress outfit over old work clothes that are stained from the messiness of life. Clothe yourselves with the virtues that reflect God’s best in you. And put on love today. Like the belt of truth and and integrity, let love hold everything together.

 

Path to Peace – Dress for “Success”

Every day when we get dressed we have a choice of what to wear. Is it going to be hot or cool? Do my activities call for nicer clothes or can I put on something more comfortable? We dress according to the activities and demands of the day.

Before we can bring light into the world we need to have a sense of real peace in our own life. If my life is generally full of fear, intimidation, bitterness, regret, anxiety, anger, etc, what hope do I have of sincerely bringing the light of hope and peace to others? Just like getting dressed, we need to ‘put on’ certain attributes each day. If you’ve ever wished you were more thoughtful, caring, full of grace, the new testament is filled with examples of ‘putting on’ attributes that embed these characteristics in your life and taking off’ things that take away from your quest to live a victorious life. None of us do this perfectly;  those generally known as being patient are sometimes impatient. Those known to be compassionate sometimes are uncaring, maybe even hurtful.  But being intentional about preparing your day to ‘put on’ compassion for example, will lead to the cultivation of a compassionate heart and life.

A practical way to prepare yourself to pursue peace throughout the day is by visualizing “putting on” the character you want to be known for, the character that nurtures peace in your lives and those whose lives you touch. You can reflect on this each morning when you get dressed. As you put on each article of clothes, you can ask God to help you ‘put on’ the ability to:

  • Extend compassion to those you meet today
  • Treat others – and yourself – with kindness
  • Walk in a humble way, not prideful, selfish, or controlling
  • Practice gentleness with others, especially those who are going through a difficult time
  • Be patient with yourself and others.

Here’s to ‘putting on the clothes of peace’ needed to Go Light Your World!

 “…Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 b