“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.” – Colossians 3:12
What you wear can say a lot about who you are. Clothes often reflect your profession, passions, and preferences. Whether it’s a uniform representing your job, sports gear showing your team spirit, or your daily attire displaying your style, your clothing makes a statement about you.
In Colossians chapter 3, the apostle Paul encourages us to consider a different kind of attire – the spiritual wardrobe that reflects our identity in Christ. He urges us to take off our old, natural clothes and put on the new self that Christ offers.
Imagine your old garments represent anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, and lies – these are the clothes of the old self. They don’t align with the image of Christ. Just as you change out of work attire when you come home, Paul instructs us to shed these negative qualities when we enter into a relationship with Christ.
But it doesn’t stop there. Paul reminds us to put on the new self, just as we put on fresh clothes each day. What should this new wardrobe consist of? Compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and discipline, according to Colossians 3:12.
Compassion means feeling sympathy and empathy for others, reflecting God’s love and mercy. Kindness extends a hand of generosity and goodwill to those around you, demonstrating Christ’s love in your actions. Humility allows you to approach others with a servant’s heart, mirroring Jesus’ example.
Quiet strength doesn’t boast or show off but serves as a steady force for good in the world. Discipline helps you resist the allure of the old clothes: anger, malice, and lies, while also helping you stay true to your identity in Christ.
Paul’s message is clear: Just as you choose your daily clothing, choose daily to put on Christ-like qualities. It’s not about superficial attire but about wearing the character of Christ. When you clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and discipline, you become a living testimony of God’s transforming power.
So, as you stand before your closet each morning, remember that your spiritual wardrobe matters just as much as your physical one. Ask yourself, “What am I wearing today?” Are you dressed in the image of Christ, ready to impact the world with His love and grace?