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

What you wear makes a statement about who you are and how you want to be perceived. Paul tells us that as Christians, we have a specific wardrobe we should put on every day-not physical clothes, but character qualities that reflect our identity in Christ.

Paul begins by reminding us of our identity: we are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. This isn’t aspirational-this is who you are right now if you’re in Christ. From this secure identity, we’re called to clothe ourselves with character qualities that reflect God’s heart.

Compassion is the ability to feel others’ pain and be moved to action. Kindness is the gentle way we treat others, especially those who can’t do anything for us. Humility is thinking of ourselves accurately-not less of ourselves, but of ourselves less. Gentleness is strength under control, and patience is the ability to endure difficult people and circumstances without losing your composure.

These aren’t natural human qualities-they’re supernatural fruit of the Spirit. We can’t manufacture them through self-effort, but we can choose to put them on daily through prayer and dependence on God’s Spirit. Just like physical clothes, these character qualities need to be put on intentionally every day.

Which of these five character qualities do you need to “put on” more consistently? Choose one to focus on this week, and ask God to help you display this quality in your interactions with others. Look for specific opportunities to clothe yourself with these attributes.

Father, thank You for choosing me, making me holy, and loving me dearly. Help me to clothe myself daily with the character qualities that reflect Your heart. When I’m tempted to respond with selfishness or harshness, remind me to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make these qualities so much a part of me that others see You in how I treat them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.