"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12
Today, as we read through the verse above together, we see that the Apostle Paul is telling the believers in Colossi to essentially clothe themselves with the very character and nature of Jesus. In this, he specifically speaks on the following character traits: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Let’s take a quick look at how these traits were exemplified through the life of Jesus.
Compassion: Throughout the gospels, we often see that Jesus was moved with compassion and healed the people before Him. Compassion was a major part of the power of God operating through Him fully.
Kindness: Romans 2:4 says that the kindness of God leads to repentance. Jesus’ kindness would have led many people to change the way they thought, turn from the life they had been living, and to live their life with Him.
Humility: Humility has the ability to keep us from becoming prideful. It allows us to receive more grace from God and will often help us to not get ahead of the Lord, to go low and to keep ourselves in line with Gods principles.
Gentleness: The gentleness Jesus walked in would’ve drawn people to Him. Even though He knew how to be gentle, it doesn’t mean He wasn’t also able to be firm at times. His gentleness would have brought comfort to many who were desperately in need of comfort and peace.
Patience: How many times can you remember the disciples doing something a bit foolish and Jesus had to be patient with them? In His patience with them, at times, it gave them room to truly grow and mature the way they needed. Instead of bringing a harsh rebuke or correcting them sternly, Jesus’ patience would’ve spoken volumes.
Questions to consider:
- In which of the above ways do you need help recently?
- What areas are you excelling in and where do you need to become more like Jesus?
Take some time throughout the day to meditate on Jesus’ life and how His character and nature truly were.
Ask Him to give you opportunities to live like He did concerning the above 5 character traits, and when those moments arise, make every effort to respond the way He would.
Prayer: Father, I ask that You would help me to live more like Jesus today than I did yesterday. Mold my character to be the same character as Yours and help me to respond to every situation today the way You would. In Jesus name.