Clothed in Love
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 whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17
As God’s holy and dearly loved children, we are instructed this day to be clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and to bear with each other and forgive all grievances. All such virtues are affixed to love, which Paul aptly deems the bond of perfection.
Amid this heavy instruction, Paul spreads one great, broad stroke of confidence. After declaring God’s call to compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness, Paul states that all of these are bound together in perfect harmony by one virtue—love. We must only love well, and all else will naturally flow forth. Our reassurance, our broad stroke of confidence, is that the unconditional and sacrificial love of Christ resonates within our hearts; we must simply utilize our internal resources.
One of my favorite cold weather activities is to gather around a campfire with friends. Although I am cold natured, the colorful beauty and intense presence of a winter fire calms my entire body. Before gathering round, I always clothe myself in several layers of cotton and fleece—the fire alone does not keep my body warm. Were it not for the ability to bundle myself in multiple layers, I would be unable to joyfully participate in one of my favorite activities.
This day we are reminded that, when clothed in the love of Christ, we have the ability to participate in the activities of the Gospel. Through love, we are capable of demonstrating the spiritual expressions of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. It is a joyous activity to share Christ’s love with others, yet so often we feel under dressed for the spiritual elements. Paul beautifully reminds us that we must simply layer up in Christ’s love.
