Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12)
Believers fail to be spiritually mature when we lack an understanding of the difference between the old man (flesh) and the new man (Spirit-controlled life). In order to make this distinction, we must daily welcome God's definition of things through His Spirit and reject the thinking of the old man (flesh).
In Colossians 3:12, Paul reminds us that we are chosen, holy and loved by God. When we are defined as such, we will be postured to walk in His compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Notice this list of godly traits shows the contrast with the list of ungodly traits mentioned in v.8. Choosing to yield to the provision of the Spirit is far more rewarding than the natural expressions of our old way of living.
Paul doesn't command us to create these characteristics, he simply commands us to appropriate them or be clothed in them. The Lord is the inertia and we are the conduits. And, as always, we benefit from what God is doing in the lives of others, as we are given opportunity to minister on His behalf.
Paul doesn't command us to create these characteristics, he simply commands us to appropriate them or be clothed in them. The Lord is the inertia and we are the conduits. And, as always, we benefit from what God is doing in the lives of others, as we are given opportunity to minister on His behalf.
If we have not and/or are not experiencing Jesus Christ in this way, we will not be in the position to experience His life in our relationships with others.
Paul writes, "clothe yourselves with compassion."
Compassion is gentleness of heart that doesn't pass judgment or criticize, because they are aware of their own sinfulness and God’s compassion on them.
Again, Paul writes, "[clothe yourselves with] kindness."
Kindness expresses itself with an encouraging word or a pat on the back. The disposition of kindness is gentleness.
Again, Paul writes, "[clothe yourselves with] humility."
Humility is the opposite of pride which is what inaugurated sin. We are to "regard others as better than ourselves." We are not to consider ourselves in any way as superior to others.
Again, Paul writes, "[clothe yourselves with] "gentleness."
Other translations render gentleness as "meekness" which is "strength under control." Gentleness is real strength, but it does not have to display itself or show off how strong it is.
Again, Paul writes, "[clothe yourselves with] patience."
Restraining oneself from becoming upset or speaking sharply to someone who is demonstrating exasperating behavior.
Finally, Paul's goal in Colossians is the believer's spiritual maturity. The benefactor of these godly qualities is primarily the one putting them on, however, this is God's way of training others to think and live His ways.
These traits are not only a means to living this life with the touch of eternity on it, they mark the spiritual maturity of the believer.
Finally, Paul's goal in Colossians is the believer's spiritual maturity. The benefactor of these godly qualities is primarily the one putting them on, however, this is God's way of training others to think and live His ways.
These traits are not only a means to living this life with the touch of eternity on it, they mark the spiritual maturity of the believer.
