21 Days to Sweeter FriendshipsSample

Dressed in Compassion

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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14, ESV

My daughter is in fashion. She has had impeccable taste from the time she was a little girl. When she was three, she picked out a dress I had worn for years with constant compliments. At eight years old, she went into my closet, pulled out every outfit with big shoulder pads, and told me I needed to get rid of them. Because of her, I am well-clothed and quite fashionable. (She still picks out more of my outfits!)

Spiritually, we also need to think about how we dress. How do we dress in our hearts, in our minds, in our attitudes, in our emotions, and our relationships? Are our thoughts, words, and decisions beautiful and flattering? How are we spiritually clothed?

The Bible suggests a few “clothing” items to include in our spiritual wardrobe:

• Are we wearing kindness, humility, and patience?
• Do we give others room to fail?
• Do we forgive freely and often?
• Do we remember how much God has forgiven us?
• Are we wearing lots and lots of love?

Prayer– Lord, will you remind me to clothe myself with these wonderful traits each morning? I want to dress up with your mercy and grace daily. Because You have chosen me, I want to bring You much glory and honor.

Reflect– How’s your fashion? Are you a person who dresses well and always looks good? How about spiritually? Are there some items you need to add to your spiritual wardrobe?