Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Compassion means to have sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Compassion springs from an understanding that we are all equal, that we are all important, that we are all loved by the Father. This is an attribute of God, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8. Compassion is others focused.
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Kindness tells others that they are important. Our God is kind according to Titus 3:4-5 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us”. Kindness can only be seen in relationships. If I am alone, kindness has no meaning.
Humility is a modest or low view of one’s own importance. Humility is lifting others up. Godly people are humble people. “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3. Humility is also a right view of God’s importance. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6. Humility is never noticed by the one being humble but impacts everyone around that individual.
Gentleness is to be tender and soft in action and effect. Gentleness shows that you care for those around you and desire not to injure them. Gentleness is precious to God, “Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:4. Gentleness builds closeness and intimacy in relationship.
Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Patience is how we relate to others and to life as we walk through this journey together. Thank God for His patience with us, “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation” 2 Peter 3:15. Patience is trusting that God is in control and not us.
We can’t do any of this very well in our own strength but with the help of the Holy Spirit within us we can walk in the beauty of a life filled with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. And what a wonderful life that can be.
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