A Christlike Character

Tuesday, July 14

A 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 

We are called to respond with compassion instead of harshness, kindness instead of cruelty, humility instead of pride, and patience instead of irritation. These qualities are what make relationships healthy and Christ-centered. This response is what causes others to stop staring or even wonder, and when we do this, we have the opportunity to say not I, but the Christ who lives in me.

At times, we may wonder if this is even possible. How can we consistently respond this way, especially toward difficult people? The answer is that it is only possible when Christ is shaping our hearts from within. As we “put on” Christlike character, our relationships begin to change. We reflect the One who has shown us mercy, and we begin to love others the way we have been loved.

Prayer for today: Lord, I pray for Your strength. I know that I cannot love the way I am supposed to on my own. I need You to guide me and help me. I ask for more of You, to carry out this task. Amen.