Put on Love
(By Darcey Hripak, Port Washington, New
York)
The apostle Paul listed garments of the Holy Spirit in his
letter to Colossian Believers.
Tender Mercies: The Foundation
First on his list is tender mercies. Also known as compassion,
tender mercies are acts of empathy for weak or hurting people. They are
usually motivated by feeling the same kind of pain as others or being
able to imagine it. I call tender mercies the underwear of God's
wardrobe . . .personal and next to the skin. They are the foundation for
everything that goes on the outside.
Kindness: Your Attitude
Next on Paul's list is kindness . . . a warm-hearted deed as
simple as a smile. But kindness is more than that. It's an attitude that
involves treating others with honor and significance. The attitude of
kindness is everyday stuff like a great pair of sneakers. Not frilly. Not
fancy. Just plain and comfortable.
Humility: God's Grace
Humility is next. No matter how much we win or lose in life, God
wraps us in a beautiful cloak of grace. When we're in the limelight, we
understand the big part He played in our success.
Meekness: Durable
Meekness is one of my favorite things to wear. Some people think
it's a nondescript, but I disagree. Meekness makes it possible to
endure difficult circumstances and poor treatment at the hands of others. It is a
durable garment with interesting textures. And meekness looks different
on everyone!
Long-Suffering: Enhances
How about long-suffering? Sometimes I wish that old rag would
just wear out so I could get something more glamorous and colorful. But I know
God has fashioned even this to enhance my life. There are times when
long-suffering is the only appropriate thing to wear for a particular occasion
. . . and then I'm glad it's in the closet.
Bearing With and Forgiveness: Protects
Bearing with others and forgiveness are the outerwear of God's
designs. They are the things we wear on top of everything else before we go
out into the world. Without them we would get awfully cold. They protect us
from the harsh elements and keep icy wind from blowing down our necks. As
we face difficult circumstances, we button them up often and keep on
trudging.
Love: Essential
Above all else, Paul says, put on love. Without love, we are
never fully dressed in Christ's wardrobe. You might think of love as your
best hat or the jeweled pin on the lapel of life. It is that one essential
accessory you should never leave behind. Never go anywhere without love.
"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. But
above all these things put on
love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians
3:12-14
To reply to a nasty remark with another nasty
remark
is like trying to remove dirt with mud.
"A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)
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Thank you!