Read Colossians 3:12-14

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”

There are three descriptive words used by the Apostle Paul in reference to the life of a believer.  Notice who we are as believers:

• We are the elect of God.

• We are holy.

• We are beloved.

All three of these descriptive terms point to our position in Christ.  Aren’t you glad this morning to be in Christ?

As one who is in Christ, there are things that will make you more becoming in your life as a believer.  Notice what these items are:

• Mercy – we are to put on compassion and tenderheartedness.

• Kindness – we are to be helpful, gentle, and sweet in our actions and disposition.

• Humility – this speaks of living in a low lying and submissive manner.

• Meekness – this is not weakness, but it implies that one is strong while remaining under control. If we are going to be meek, then we must be humble.

• Patience (longsuffering) – this is the ability to endure suffering over a long period of time.

• Forbearance – we are to exercise control by putting up with someone and holding back from acting against the person who is testing us.

• Forgiveness – is the choice to pardon a person for their sin or wrong against you.

• Charity – this is love in action. It is that which binds together all the good things the Bible has just mentioned.

Have you put on that which is Christian, or is your life still looking like someone living after the rudiments of the world?  May we put on that which is becoming to God.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Take some time to reflect upon your standing in Christ.  What does it mean for you to be elect, holy, and beloved?

2.  How many of the eight garments listed in verses 12 -14 do you believe you have actually put on?  Explain.

3.  Is there any one today who you need to forgive for hurting you? How can you get this right with God and your offender?

4.  Why is charity placed at the top of the garment list?  What does it mean when the Bible describes charity as the bond of perfectness (moral and spiritual perfection)?