Do you find it easy to find flaws in yourself? Once again, looking in the mirror is not always easy. But, when we see genuine change and spiritual growth, we can be inspired to keep going. It is crucial in this transformation process to “put on” some of those things mentioned by Paul, so when we look in that mirror, we see God working in our lives. Your translation may read, “clothe yourselves.” Think of it as though you are ready to go out on a stormy, wintery day. Your first layer of clothing is tender mercies or compassion. One person writes, “All altruism springs from putting yourself in the other person’s place.” Altruism is the unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. (cf. Philippians 2:3). Mercy is critical to the Christian’s walk. Rick Warren writes, “God’s mercy to us is the motivation for showing mercy to others.” The prophet Micah taught long ago about the need for God’s people to “love mercy” (Micah 6:8). One layer is not enough, for the storm is raging; kindness is also necessary. This “kindness” is a “useful kindness,” meeting genuine needs in God’s way and timing. Paul taught the church in Galatia that “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all” (Galatians 6:10). When you reach for humility or lowliness of mind: that character trait helps promote those things just mentioned. We must be willing to serve whoever and wherever they may find themselves. You put on meekness or gentleness as though they are but one piece of the same garment. One person writes, “Under whatever injuries or provocations you may receive, always restraining you from returning evil for evil, railing for railing, and from resenting any injury that may be done to you.” Although not the end of all the clothing needed to weather the storm, the next one may seem most challenging; it is longsuffering or patience. Someone has said, “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” If I am going to weather the storm, bring glory to Him in my life, and be a light to those around me, I need to ask God to help me get ready and replace all those pieces of garments I have decided to put off with those He invites me to wear. With these on, I am prepared to weather the storm.
“…bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a
complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Colossians 3:13
The raging storm in life often connects to relationships with co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. All the virtues listed previously are critical aspects of our Christian garment we are to put on with God’s help that can empower us to nurture and grow in our relationships. These set the stage for us to weather the storms of life. First, with these articles of clothing on, we bear with one another; that is, to endure, have patience with, suffer, and persist. Paul says the same to the church in Ephesus (cf. Ephesians 4:2). Taking it one step further, he calls on them to forgive one another. An interesting thought as I considered this: There is no freedom for me outside God’s forgiveness. Likewise, I have no freedom if I do not forgive others. The absence of forgiveness shackles us to something, either our sins or the sins of others. I agree that forgiveness is, at times, easier said than done. Still, it is possible (cf. Philippians 4:13). Taking one step further, I believe it is critical to live in Christ (cf. Matthew 6:15). And one of the most vital steps to take to find this freedom is the cross of Christ. Remembering what Christ has done for me, who He has made me be (His elect, holy and beloved), will empower me to weather the storm of hurts and disappointments so often experienced in all life relationships.
Although the next verse is vital to this train of thought, I will save it for the next lesson. We can see how Paul seeks to equip these early Christians, preparing them for the battles they will encounter. This readiness involves the idea of putting off and the idea of putting on. We, like them, also need to put off some old articles of clothing and endeavor to put on new ones. The call is straightforward, be who you are! Know you are the elect of God, a people He has set apart from the world, and a people He loves so very much. With this in mind, we, too, ready ourselves for the inevitable storms of life.
Help us, Lord, to humbly place ourselves before You so we can see those garments that need removing. And in those moments of vulnerability, may we be reminded of who You have made us to be, and in so doing, enthusiastically pursue those virtues that resemble our Savior and Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Dennis
Biddeford Church of Christ 