Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.
Into the Text
Reading today’s passage makes us realize how far we fall short of all that we are meant to be. How I would love to be more merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. How I long to be able to truly love others.
This is when we have to be reminded of what Paul said earlier: “For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form, and you have been filled in him” (Colossians 2:9-10). When God calls us to put on the clothes of Christ-likeness, He Himself will give us these clothes. They are already hanging in the wardrobe of our new, risen life. We only have to take them out and put them on.
However, a righteous life doesn’t happen automatically. If it did, Paul wouldn’t urge us to “put it on.” We “put on” the virtues of Christlikeness when we trust Him to provide all the love, mercy, and patience we need in any given circumstance.
In faith, we need to ask God for it. And then, in obedience, we simply go and do as we are told, loving others in word and deed, and thanking Him in advance for providing us with everything we need.
Everything God demands of us, He Himself wants to accomplish in and through us (Philippians 2:13). God calls you to love others. Ask Him for that love. When you walk by faith like this, moment by moment, day by day, Jesus Himself will increasingly live the life of love through you.
And never forget that you are God’s elect, holy and dearly loved by Him. He has chosen you because He loves you. He will continue His work of sanctification in you. He won’t give up on you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing and loving me. Please fill me with your love so that I can go and love others. Amen.