In Colossians 3:12-14, it says, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness." I also like the Message translation for these verse, "So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."
Every night, I like to set out clothes for the kids to wear the next day. Making sure they are ironed and everything just so. It helps them so they do not have to run around last minute making sure they are dressed properly...and it ensures they will be wearing something that matches. And, it is a way that I can show them how much I love and care for them. God does much the same thing for us. He has picked out a wardrobe for us to put on daily. To ensure that we are dressed properly and looking like His children. He wants us to know that He loves and cares for us enough to make sure we are properly clothed, spiritually speaking.
Colossians 3:12 says to put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved. The Matthew Henry Commentary says it this way: "Those who are holy are the elect of God; and those who are the elect of God, and holy, are beloved—beloved of God." Not only are we loved by Him, but He desires for us to be holy as He is holy. Like it says in 1 Peter 1:15-16, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; For it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy'." He wants us to be pure from carnality as He was...He wants us to be chaste, modest and clean.
This wardrobe He has picked out for us also contains compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering. Compassion is sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. Kindness refers to moral goodness and integrity. Humility is practicing humbleness or not being proud or haughty. Meekness is enduring with patience and without resentment and with a gentle spirit. And, longsuffering is patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship. After reading the definition of each of these, I am sure that you can see why they need to be put on daily. With a garment like this, it will be a lot easier to make it through the day.
Verse 13 is an important part of the wardrobe, also. Be forbearing and forgiving. Forbearing is holding yourself up when you need to and also holding yourself back when necessary. Not everything that comes to your mind needs to be spoken out loud. There are times when you must "hold your tongue" and spare someone else the "tongue lashing"...even if they have hurt you and tried to "tear you down" Stand tall in Him and keep the right attitude. Then forgive. Sometimes it is difficult to forgive when you feel hurt or used. But, if you do not forgive it will eventually eat away at your heart. and not only that but when you forgive others, HE forgives you of your sins (Mark 11:25). We know that God has forgiven each of us of various things we have done in the past. And, it is our duty, as a Christian, to forgive others.
And last, but surely not least...put on love. Like the Message translation says, "And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." This is something we should never be without. Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet. 4:8)...and a perfect and well-formed love casts out fear (1 Jn. 4:18). Love is your all-purpose garment...it is suitable for many purposes or uses. Romans 10:13 (The Message) says, "You can't go wrong when you love others."
When we physically get dressed every morning. We dress so that we are protected against the elements...sun, wind, rain or snow. Spiritually speaking, God provides us with garments that will protect us through the day. Wearing these spiritual garments will not only help us to conduct ourselves as true, genuine Christians...but they will protect our hearts. Seeds of fear, doubt and discouragement can not take root in a heart that is protected. It is when it is left vulnerable and unprotected that the seed is sown.
Living for God can be easy or hard. If you take the "easy route" with less work involved, eventually it will show later on down the road. But, if you work hard at it and take the time to do things right according to His Word, you will reap the benefits and blessings later. It pays to take the time to dress yourself in the wardrobe He has provided for you. So, before you start your day, be sure to double check in God's mirror to ensure that you are properly dressed for the day.
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