This world would be a much better place. Your home would be a better place. Our church would be a better place, too! If we all improved just a bit putting this verse into practice.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
Here is a description of those beautiful attributes and actions that we need more of in our world. The Bible teaches about them often. Jesus expects them of his followers. And expresses them each toward us.
- Compassion — being concerned, pity, mercy, lack of judgment; a deep feeling of affection and concern expressed especially to those who are suffering or in distress. Like God’s mercy on sinners.
- Kindness — caring for, benevolence, provide something needed and appreciated. Like Jesus caring for people who needed healing and help.
- Humility — lowering yourself, placing yourself below others and to put the interests of others before your own. Like Jesus, the Son of God, coming down from heaven to live and die here for sinners who don’t deserve it.
- Gentleness — considerate, not easily irritated, strong convictions that because of Jesus Christ the victor you are not the victim who needs to be powerful and in control. Like Jesus being gentle with sinners afraid of his judgment.
- Patience — long-suffering, hanging in there with no thoughts of revenge when wronged, never bearing a grudge. Like Jesus was patient with his “slow to believe” disciples and even his enemies.
Can you imagine a world made of those? A family and home filled with those? A church community practicing those consistently? How’s that possible? It starts with you.
Tomorrow, I’ll tell you how it can start with you in two powerful ways.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, your acts of beauty were perfect, and they still are! You treat me with such beautiful love. I need you. And I need to reflect that love to others. Help me to practice compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience more often. Amen.
EVANGELISM ACTION: Think of a person who doesn’t know you well, or perhaps doesn’t appreciate you or respect you. What if you showed them one of the acts of beauty above? Could you take that step, and pray that it would also be a step that helps them see the love of Jesus?
