“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12,14 (NIV)
Paul invites us to a daily act of spiritual dressing — to “clothe” our hearts with the character of Christ. This begins not with duty but with identity: we are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. From that foundation flows a new way of living. As John Stott observed, “The secret of holy living lies in the realization of our new identity in Christ.” Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are not self-improvement goals but the natural expression of a renewed heart (Ephesians 4:22–24). Each virtue reflects the life of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). When we remember who we belong to, we begin to mirror His grace in how we treat others.
Above all, Paul commands us to “put on love,” for it is love that completes and unites all virtues. William Barclay wrote, “Love is the binding power which holds the whole Christian body together.” Without love, even our best actions lose their beauty. C.S. Lewis reminds us, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Love makes forgiveness possible and peace attainable. It heals division and turns resentment into reconciliation. When love rules our hearts, the peace of Christ becomes the atmosphere of our relationships, binding us together in perfect unity.
Finally, Paul calls us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and the word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:15–16). As His peace becomes the guiding referee of our emotions and His Word shapes our thinking, our lives grow into harmony with His will. Mother Teresa captured it beautifully: “Bring love to all you do and you will fulfill your vocation.” Whatever we do, in word or deed, we are to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus (v.17), clothed in His love, ruled by His peace, and empowered by His Spirit.
Prayer:
Lord, clothe us each day with compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bind our hearts together with Your perfect love. Let Your peace rule in our hearts and Your Word dwell richly in our minds. May every word and deed bring glory to Your name. Amen.
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