As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-17
"Clothe yourself in compassion . . . ."
Among the many beautiful phrases in this passage of Scripture, this one especially sparks my imagination. I like to picture myself actually covered from head to toe in a cloak of compassion. My hope is that-like a cloak-compassion will warm me until it becomes an integral part of who I am.
Paul elaborates on this theme in his letter to the Ephesians by using this visual description:
"Put on the armor of God:
Buckle truth around your waist,
Add integrity for a breastplate,
Wear shoes eager to spread the Gospel,
Carry a shield of faith,
Put on the helmet of salvation . . . ."
When I take this to heart, I can see myself literally clothed in this spiritual armor. I can imagine it permeating my very being.
My prayer is that we might all deepen our call to "put on the armor of God" throughout this season of Lent and beyond.
Margaret Tessler
Colossians 3:12-17
"Clothe yourself in compassion . . . ."
Among the many beautiful phrases in this passage of Scripture, this one especially sparks my imagination. I like to picture myself actually covered from head to toe in a cloak of compassion. My hope is that-like a cloak-compassion will warm me until it becomes an integral part of who I am.
Paul elaborates on this theme in his letter to the Ephesians by using this visual description:
"Put on the armor of God:
Buckle truth around your waist,
Add integrity for a breastplate,
Wear shoes eager to spread the Gospel,
Carry a shield of faith,
Put on the helmet of salvation . . . ."
When I take this to heart, I can see myself literally clothed in this spiritual armor. I can imagine it permeating my very being.
My prayer is that we might all deepen our call to "put on the armor of God" throughout this season of Lent and beyond.
Margaret Tessler
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