“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
—Colossians 3:12-17

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Dressed Well
By Jennifer Kane

Draped in the fabric of Christ,
we wear mercy like a soft mantle,
woven with love,
without which it would unravel into dust.

Kindness flows like a silken robe,
its threads stitched in love’s design,
for without love, it is but an empty covering.

Humility wraps us in quiet strength,
its fabric spun from love’s humility,
for without love, it shrinks to pride’s shadow.

Meekness clings to us gently,
a garment of love’s restraint,
for without love, it frays into self-interest.

Patience endures,
a tapestry of enduring love,
for without love, it would tear beneath the weight of time.

Each piece, though beautiful,
is lifeless without love—
the thread that binds,
the essence that transforms,
the unseen force that gives every virtue its power.

To wear these garments
is to wear love itself,
the perfect fabric of Christ.

And with love in place,
peace wraps around us like a final layer,
guarding our hearts and minds,
teaching us to walk together as one body.

Gratitude spills forth,
a melody in our hearts,
as we sing with joy and thanksgiving,
clothed in the word of Christ
that dwells richly within.

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Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

What does it mean to be “dressed well” as a follower of Christ? Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 3 gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to clothe ourselves with the character of Jesus. As God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people, we are called to reflect Him in every aspect of our lives.

The virtues Paul mentions—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love—form the spiritual wardrobe of a believer. But these virtues are not mere adornments. They are woven together by love, the essence that gives life and unity to every aspect of our character.

Paul also calls us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” This peace is not just a personal sense of calm but a communal peace that binds us as one body. It’s a peace that serves as an umpire, guiding our decisions and fostering harmony.

Moreover, gratitude becomes an essential part of our lives when we are clothed in Christ. This thankfulness flows naturally as we allow His word to dwell richly within us, shaping our thoughts and actions. Whether through teaching, admonishing, or worshiping together in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we find our lives centered on the glory of God.

Finally, Paul reminds us that everything we do should be done in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to the Father. Whether in word or deed, our lives become a reflection of His love and grace when we live with Him at the center.

Take time today to reflect on how you are “dressed” in your walk with Christ. Are there areas where you need to clothe yourself more fully in His virtues? Begin with love—it binds all virtues together and transforms them into true reflections of Jesus. Let His peace guide your heart and His word dwell richly within you. And in everything you do, give thanks to God, for it is in His name that we live and serve.

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Father God, thank You for calling me Your chosen and beloved child. Help me to live out the character of Christ in all that I do. Teach me to clothe myself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience so that my life reflects Your love. May I always remember to forgive others as You have forgiven me, extending the same grace I have freely received. Bind these virtues together with love, Lord, so that they shine as a reflection of Your heart.

Holy Spirit, let Your peace rule in my heart, guiding my decisions and shaping my interactions with others. Fill me with gratitude for the gifts You’ve given and the opportunity to serve You each day. Let Your word dwell richly in me, transforming my thoughts, words, and actions into offerings of worship.

Help me to see the needs of others and respond with kindness and love. And whatever I do today, may it be done in Your name and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

November 25 2024