January 27, 2022
The Finest Apparel
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another and, if any of you has a grievance against some-one, forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14, NIV
T his month brings with it the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day; a day to recognize the person (or persons) we love with special gifts and/or recognition. Culturally it is not seen so much in a religious context. However, we know that love, especially as we find it in the Bible, is so much greater than a feeling of affection.
In the scripture text, Paul calls on the readers/hearers to wear the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as we wear our clothes. Clothes are the first things people will see on us, so these virtues should be how people see us and recognize us. This is a good word in these days as we go back and forth in times of seclusion in our homes.
Patience is one of those watch words that are so valued in this time as well as forgiveness and bearing with one another. Many of us are having to deal with more than just the collective pressures of the pandemic. With what then do we fill our hearts and minds? With what do we bind our feelings and emotions? What is it that motivates what we do and say? What is it that surrounds us as we move through this part of our life’s journey? Paul tells us that love is the unifier that binds all of these virtues together. Love brings out our compassion and kindness. Love helps us to lean toward forgiveness rather than revenge or vengeance. Love moves us to seek out the best for ourselves and those around us.
In this month where love is celebrated, may we each clothe ourselves with love that we might bear the fruits of forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Pray that we may be the light and salt in a world that needs vision and preservation from the turmoil of life. May we each know the presence of the Holy Spirit who lives within us and walks with us day by day.
(“Day by day and with each passing moment/Strength I find to meet my trials here” – Caroline V. Sandell-Berg)
Growing Together in Christ,
Pastor Carolyn