Clothed in Christlike Character
Monday, July 13
Clothed in Christlike Character
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 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 3:12-13
The two greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. Because of this, Scripture shows us what healthy relationships are meant to look like. In Colossians 3, Paul gives us a clear picture of the character that should define every believer: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. These are not optional traits for the Christian life; they are the clothing, the attire, the outfit of the day, of someone who belongs to Christ.
Paul reminds us that we are “holy and beloved.” That is the foundation for everything else. We don’t pursue these qualities to earn God’s love, we pursue them because we have already received it. This means that how we treat others matters deeply to God.
Prayer for today: Lord, thank You for choosing me and loving me. Help me to put on the character of Christ each day. Teach me to respond with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Shape my heart so that my life reflects Your love in my relationships. Amen.