I have 2 granddaughters who like to change their clothing multiple times throughout the day. Most of us are pretty content with what we put on in the morning. Not these girls. Many changes of clothes are required for each day.
In Colossians 3:12-14 we are encouraged to clothe ourselves in a particular way.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” Colossians 3:12-14
I honestly chuckled as I read these verses this morning. Clearly God knows that we all blow it–the clear call to forgive one another is mentioned on the heels of this list of attributes we are instructed to clothe ourselves with.
As I was thinking about how intentional I need to be to do this, I thought about fruit, vegetables and chips. If the three were lined up on the counter, I would have to be VERY intentional to leave the chips and choose the fruit and veggies. My husband of course would not have this struggle...
The point is, we need to be on purpose, every day, all day in order to clothe ourselves with these attributes. The decision to practice all these wonderful things is easy when we are rested and not under a huge amount of stress.
I remember when our kids were young, how hard it was to be ‘mother of the year’. I was exhausted and they were up with yet another request after I had prayed with them, read to them, and even sang with them. Then they would come with yet more requests. The request office was closed at that point and let me just say, all these lovely attributes felt far away by now. It definitely required a conscious decision to put them on at this point. I think you understand.
As we relate especially to those nearest and dearest to us, we are called to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It is sad when it is easier to be all these things to someone we don’t know as well. Forgiveness also needs to be really close by as there are lots of opportunities to extend forgiveness, especially to those we live with. And... It goes both ways. Thankfully we can ask for the Holy Spirit's help in all of this, anytime. He never minds!
Dear Father,
Thank You for Your patience with me and for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the invitation to call out to You as I need help putting on all these attributes all day long. I ask that You would fill me with Your love and lots of grace so I can be quick to forgive and move on.
In Jesus Name,
Amen