Colossians 3:12-15 - Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

In Colossians 3:12-15, Paul instructs the Colossian believers to 'put on' virtues and attitudes befitting the people of God: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love. He emphasizes love as the overarching virtue that binds all the others together in unity and harmony. Just as we put on clothes to cover ourselves, we are to take on the character of Christ daily. The key themes in this passage are: 1. We are God's chosen, holy, and beloved children. Our identity is found in Christ. 2. We must actively pursue spiritual virtues, with God's help. Sanctification is a process that involves effort on our part. 3. Love is greater than any one virtue. All other virtues flow out of love for God and others. Love binds the community of faith together. 4. Forgiveness breaks cycles of resentment and sets us free to love. Christ has forgiven us immeasurably, so we must extend grace to others. 5. Peace and thankfulness should rule our hearts as members of one body in Christ.

In my personal devotion time, this passage convicts and encourages me deeply. I'm reminded that I'm not defined by my struggles or failures - I'm God's beloved and holy child. My identity is secure in Christ. This truth humbles me and makes me want to live differently. I'm also challenged to actively cultivate the virtues and attitudes Paul lists. Sanctification is a daily process of becoming more like Jesus. As I walk in step with the Spirit, He produces His fruit in my life. But growth requires intentionality on my part too. I must daily 'put on' compassion, kindness, meekness and love. Most of all, I'm compelled by the call to clothe myself in love. Do my words, actions and thoughts flow from a heart of love for those around me? Love should be the dress I wear every day. When irritation, criticism or impatience creep in, I know my 'garment' needs mending. Jesus, mend my heart and let your love rule my life. Lord, thank you for making me holy and beloved in your eyes. Help me put on love daily through the power of your Spirit. May peace and unity define our church family. Amen.

Father God, we praise you for adopting us as your beloved children. Thank you for securing our identity in your Son. Help us put on love, joy, peace, patience and kindness daily through the power of your Spirit. Teach us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. May our church family walk in unity and harmony as one body in Christ. We love you and want to bring you glory in all we do. In Jesus' name, amen.