Proper Clothing

Scripture: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Observation: Paul has several lists of qualities - and clothes - in his letters. His most famous are probably 'the armor of God' and 'the fruits of the spirit'. This list is interesting in that it adopts some of the 'fruit' into a clothing metaphor.

The fruit of the spirit are qualities that the Holy Spirit imparts to you - they are inside you (though some should manifest externally). However, clothes are always visible - they are, in fact, the things we wrap ourselves in as expressions of ourselves, which we want others to see. Here, Paul lists five qualities with that metaphor, indicating these are external-facing qualities we should want to wrap ourselves it ... these are the things we would want others to see, even to the point of perhaps hiding some of our other characteristics.

Application: If someone were to look at me, would they see these qualities?

Compassion: Probably not, though this used to be a strength when I was a teen. This is part of me I cast aside when I turned away from God, and I haven't found it yet. I'm working on it.

Kindness: Similarly, I am not really a kind person. Sometimes I am, but other times I almost go out of my way to be mean. I really do regret those moments.

Humility: This is the item on the list I actively struggle with the most. I try to serve in humility, but I don't generally adopt this as a day-to-day attitude.

Gentleness: Not even a little bit.

Patience: Again, I am certainly not a patient person in most situations, though I can be toward certain people.

This is such a slap in the face, reminding me of how much I need to lean into the Holy Spirit and make myself adaptable to God ... and thus allow my nature to be molded by him into a more loving person.

Prayer: Lord, I do wish to change. I know I need to be opened to a changed nature - one that receives your fruit so that I can in turn express your love. Please do NOT give up on me!! I yearn to be close to you, and I know I fail daily. Please pour your spirit into me. Please. Amen.