Colossians 3:12 reveals how believers should be clothed.

Far from an actual style guide, it gives spiritual fashion tips with infinite value.

Today, let us hone in on verses 12-14 to see what life gems will pour unto us.

Scripture – Colossians 3:12-14

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Observation

As God’s chosen people we are to be set apart.

We are to display and live out the fruit of the Spirit.

We see in verse 12, that our spiritual identity is crucial.

In knowing who we are and whose we are, we are to respond by being deliberate about how we present ourselves to the world.

Here Paul reminds us of five of these virtues. He tells the people in Colossae to ‘clothe themselves’, indicating intentionality.

We are called to take action as each virtue Paul mentions does not manifest passively.

Paul goes on to instruct the Colossians to value forgiveness in verse 14. 

We do not get to do as unbelievers do in skipping this fundamental step.

Forgiveness therefore, is an essential element woven into the fabric of the bold believer in Christ.

We cannot bear good fruit without it.

Love then, as Paul points out is that thread needed to enable us to wear our spiritual garment.

Application

Much like our last post, Paul’s advice to forgive rings true today in the same way it did for the Colossians.

We must daily chose to wear our spiritual clothing as prescribed by Paul.

We must prioritize forgiveness, choosing to arrive at resolutions quickly.

Prayer and daily worship is key to rooting these virtues in our lives,

When we imbibe the Word daily, righteousness clothes us.

We will bear much fruit, representing the living God, shining the light of Christ as we grow to be more and more like Him through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer – Colossians 3:12-14

Father God, forgiveness is not a 
naturally easy thing for us mere humans
to arrive at on our own. But in Your grace
and mercy, You sent Your only Son to atone
for us. I thank You God for sending Jesus to
sacrifice for me me on that cross, purchasing
my full forgiveness. Thank You Jesus too 
for sending the Comforter to be my guide.
I can run to You Holy Spirit, knowing that You 
never tire of my neediness and You are 
committed to transforming me daily into
the best version of myself. You it is, who
makes me more and more like Christ.
Your fruit springs forth in me each time
I choose love and quick obedience,
forgiving all who cause me to dig deep
for Your fruit. Cultivate every virtue in me
I pray. Clothe me in compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience I pray.
Make me love like You do in Jesus's name. 
Amen.