Put on These Things

 "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."

Colossians 3:12

When we are told to put something on, we can safely assume that it was never on to begin with, and that is exactly why we have this charge, to, "put on then".  We don't come into this world with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, therefore, Paul is telling us through his letter to the Colossians that we are to put these things on.  Meaning we need to make a conscious effort to incorporate these acts into our daily walk.  This is a very mindful and intentional action, that we are challenged to do.  This takes the true work of the Holy Spirit, which is why Paul gives us this call to action, only after explaining that we are made new in Christ through the Holy Spirit.  Left to our own devices we are not these things on our own, it is impossible to bear the fruit of compassion, humility, kindness, and patience without the work of the Spirit in our lives.  This is why Paul lists these as part of the fruit of the Spirit in Galations 5:22.  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Gal. 5:22-23).  In order to see the fruit of these good things in our lives we need to "put them on".  This takes prayerful consideration, practice, and daily sacrifice and mindfulness to make these things a part of our walk with Jesus.  I love this portion of scripture because it is so practical.  Not only are we told we need to be doing these things, but we are told why.  If you consider yourself to be God's people, which therefore He would call you "holy and beloved", then this is your charge in life.  Basically, if you are God's chosen son or daughter, act like it!  If we call ourselves sons and daughters of the Most High God, then show Him!  Today, start your day by intentionally putting on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  Show the people around you that you are God's chosen child by doing so.  This not only will be sure to bless your walk with the Lord, but will certainly bless the lives of those you encounter.  Pray and ask the Lord to guide you by the power of the His Holy Spirit to "put on these things" today, and walk as a child of God!  Love you all!  Praying for you and yours!  Have a blessed day, it's your choice!