Clothe Yourselves with…

A Devotional in the Epistles

Today’s reading is out of Colossians 4:12-14. Begin todays’ devotion by reading this passage.

Another type of writing we find in the Bible are Epistles or letters written by disciples to other churches. These often provide us with some practical ways to live out the teachings of Jesus and give us a glimpse into the kinds of issues and questions that the early Christ-followers struggled with. Colossians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to a church in Colossae and contains many beautiful reminders of the promises of God and also some instructions on how to follow Jesus in our daily lives.

Take a moment and reflect on the passage again and answer the questions below.

Colossians 3:12-14 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Reflect

1. In Paul’s list of what to get rid of (3:8-10) and what to start “clothing ourselves” with (v12-14), what is one that you really want to focus on having God develop in you?
2. In v10, Paul mentions that we have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in “the image of your Creator.” How do you think the above passage relates to that truth?
3. How could our relationships change if we committed to living these words of Paul out consistently? In our marriages, our parenting, in the workplace, and in our neighborhood?

Act

Pick one of these “virtues” from Paul to focus on today. You can choose a new one each week or each month and ask God to develop that virtue in your life. Write out some characteristics of what this could look like in your life and be sure to track the results of how you’re seeing God develop it in you!

Pray

Lord God, I want to reflect more of your image. Please develop these qualities in me, that I can show people what you’re like. May each of my relationships improve as I live these out. Forgive me when I fall short in them. Open my eyes to see how far you’ve brought me in these already. May I glorify you in all of my words and actions this week!