Colossians 3:12-13

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.” Colossians 3:12-13

When we come to scripture we are called to submit ourselves under the text. Scripture is primarily a book about God and it provides us with insight into who He is and what He desires from his people. The letters and stories written in the scriptures are to be used as examples, and were written for our instruction. (1 Corinthians 10:11-12) What are we being called to do?

We are God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, and because of this understanding we are called to clothe ourselves in the very goodness of Jesus Christ. Jesus is gentle and humble at heart. (Matthew 11:29) Jesus intercedes for us. (Hebrews 7:25) When Christ was on the cross he was asking His Father to forgive those around him. (Luke 23:33-34) Jesus Christ showed compassion and healed those that were sick. (Matthew 4:23) As followers of Jesus Christ, dearly loved, we are called to be Holy as he is Holy. (1 Peter 1:16)

But why? Why do we need to live this way? God responds to those of us that live this way. He guides and teaches us. (Psalm 28: 8-9) He looks kindly to those that are humble. (Psalm 138:6) God delights and crowns us with victory. (Psalm 149:4) When we set our mind to gain understanding our words are heard. (Daniel 10:12)

So each day, we wake up and spend time with the Father. We take his yoke upon us and we begin to abide. We can’t move from spending time with the Lord and not be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. We can’t help but forgive. Moses spent so much time in the presence of the Lord that his face was radiant. (Exodus 34:29) Our entire lives begin to radiate when we spend time with Jesus. It is the only way that we can put to death our earthly nature. (Colossians 3:5) Let’s be people that seek Jesus Christ, so we can be who we are called to be.

Respond with these questions:

1. Are we abiding in Christ by spending time in scripture?

2. Is there something in your life that you need to put to death?

3. How might you live more humbly before the Lord and others?

4. Do you need to extend forgiveness in any particular relationship?