Devotional: Thursday, July 2
Clothed in Christlike Character
Scripture
Colossians 3:12–15 (ESV)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." — Colossians 3:12–13 (ESV)
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Every morning, before we step out the door, we make a decision about what we will wear.
Our clothing often reflects where we're going or what we expect to do. We dress differently for work than we do for the beach. We choose attire appropriate for the occasion.
In Colossians 3, Paul uses that familiar image to teach a profound spiritual truth. As followers of Jesus, we are called to "put on" a new way of living. These qualities are not personality traits reserved for a few naturally kind people. They are the character of Christ being formed within every believer.
Paul begins by reminding us of our identity before he speaks about our behavior. "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved..." That order matters.
We do not become loved because we behave well. We live differently because we are already loved. Our identity in Christ becomes the foundation for our conduct. Paul then lists the virtues that should mark the people of God:
Compassion.
The Church should be a place where people encounter mercy before judgment, understanding before assumptions.
Kindness.
Kindness is love expressed in practical ways. It is often found in small acts—a welcoming smile, an encouraging word, a thoughtful phone call, or a willingness to listen.
Humility.
Humility allows us to admit when we are wrong, celebrate the gifts of others, and place the needs of the body above our own preferences.
Meekness.
Biblical meekness is not weakness. It is strength surrendered to God. It responds with gentleness rather than retaliation.
Patience.
Patience recognizes that God is still shaping every person in His Church, just as He is still shaping us.
Then Paul gives one of the greatest challenges to Christian community: "Bear with one another... forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
The standard for forgiveness is not our comfort. It is Christ.
We forgive because we have first been forgiven. That does not minimize hurt or ignore injustice. Rather, it acknowledges that the grace we have received becomes the grace we extend. Finally, Paul writes, "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..."
Love is what holds every other virtue together.
Without love, kindness becomes politeness.
Without love, patience becomes obligation.
Without love, forgiveness becomes duty.
But when Christ's love governs our hearts, these virtues become a living witness to the Gospel.
As we continue this week, remember that unity is not preserved by winning arguments.
It is preserved by becoming more like Jesus. Every day we have the opportunity to clothe ourselves in the character of Christ.
Reflection Questions
- Which Christlike characteristic do you most need to "put on" today?
- Is there someone you need to forgive as Christ has forgiven you?
- How can you intentionally allow the peace of Christ to shape your relationships this week?
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you for calling us your chosen, holy, and beloved people. Clothe us with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Teach us to forgive as you have forgiven us and to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. May our lives reflect the character of Jesus so that our church is strengthened in love and unity. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Sources
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway. (Original work published 2001).
Moo, D. J. (2008). The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Wright, N. T. (1986). Colossians and Philemon. InterVarsity Press.
