Putting on the New Self When Dealing with the Old
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Context Behind the Verse
It is a radical instruction to look at someone who is demanding and seemingly oblivious to our priorities and consciously decide to clothe ourselves with compassion toward them. Our default setting is often self-preservation, which easily slides into resentment or sharp rebuttal. But this verse reminds us that we are dearly loved and chosen by God, and it is from this place of secure identity that we can afford to extend grace. We are not manufacturing kindness out of our own strength; we are putting on the character of Christ. When we treat a demanding person with patience, we are treating them with the same long-suffering love that we ourselves receive from our Father. Gentleness and humility become our apparel, not our armor, allowing us to interact with demanding individuals without absorbing their demanding nature.
Prayer for the Day
Heavenly Father, reminds me of how deeply I am loved by You, that I may extend that same love to others. Help me to lay aside my defensive posture and actively choose compassion and patience when I am faced with demanding individuals. May my responses reflect Your nature, not my own frustration.
Inspirational Quote
You cannot love others until you have first allowed yourself to be loved by God. Mother Teresa