Putting on New Clothes

As I stood in my closet today and picked out my clothes, a thought hit me!

I don’t “accidentally” put on clothes in the morning. I choose them.

Sometimes, even the night before, depending on what the next day holds, I lay out my wardrobe—socks, pants, shirt, jacket, shoes. If I am going to the gym, my wardrobe reflects that activity. If I am doing a funeral that day, shorts and running shoes will not cut it; a suit and tie is the order of the day.

Scripture tells me the same is true spiritually.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

Notice: clothe yourselves. That means I have a responsibility to put on what God has made available.

I can’t speak for you, but this is true for me. If I don’t intentionally put on compassion, I default to indifference. If I don’t choose humility, pride slips in. If I don’t prepare to be patient, frustration takes over.

In Jesus, God has given me a new identity. Now I’m called to live like it and wear it every day. Compassion means I see people. Kindness means I act. Humility means it’s not about me. Gentleness means strength under control. Patience means trusting God’s timing.

And then there’s forgiveness: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13, NIV)

That stretches me. I’m only asked to forgive to the same degree Jesus forgave me. Completely. Love becomes the overcoat that holds it all together.

Today, before I step into conversations, responsibilities, and relationships, I ask: What am I wearing spiritually? What fills the inside will show on the outside.

The miracle of today is that Jesus has a whole new wardrobe for us to wear!

Let’s pray together.

Lord, help me intentionally clothe myself with what reflects You. Replace my impatience with patience, my pride with humility, my harshness with gentleness. Teach me to forgive the way You forgave me. Let love be the covering over every interaction today. Dress my soul in Your character. Amen.

You are a miracle!