Clothing for the 'Church'

Week 41

The universal Church of Christ is chosen of God and as such, we are instructed in the Bible how to behave as instruments of God. Colossians 3 tells us that we are to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. For our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. And we will one day appear with Christ in Glory.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

Compassion:

The Biblical definition of compassion is to be merciful, to show tender love. God has shown us as believers this mercy and tender love in his forgiveness of our sins. The Greek definition is to have pity or feel distressed through the ills of others. Jesus showed this compassion again and again with the crowds that pressed around him. He healed them, he taught them, he touched them.

We are to do likewise with all those around us. Who can you show compassion to today? Who needs to receive mercy and tender love? 

Kindness:

We all know what kindness is - Jesus taught us to do unto others as we would have others do unto us. Goodness is lumped together with kindness and is expected of believers. Yet how many people do we treat unkindly each and every day? 

What can we do to show those around us a kindness today? When I worked full time, I kept a basket of candy on my desk at work. It wasn't a big deal, but many times during the day someone will poke their head in my office and take a piece of candy. They knew that it was there for them because I wanted to show them kindness. There were no strings attached, no one had to do anything to earn a piece of candy it was just there because I wanted to show them kindness.

In time, the basket of candy turned into a joint project. There were many weeks when others brought in candy and asked me to refill the basket because they wanted to share also. It is really contagious - I guess that’s why we are supposed to be kind.

Humility:

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” “Humility comes before honor,” reads Proverbs 15:33. Humility is a way of saying that we think others are more worthy than us. Webster defines humility as the state of being humble. It is ranking ourselves lower than others. How often do we humble ourselves? In this day and age it is almost unheard of. We are taught from infancy that we are worthy, that we are a person of value and that we should live our lives accordingly.

Think of someone you know who is humble. Maybe it is a teacher, a parent or grandparent, someone you knew growing up that seemed to lower themselves beneath others when, in fact, they should have been lifted up. Jesus is the ultimate in humility. He left a throne in heaven to lower himself and become like us - why? To save us from our pride. Now that is humility. 

How can the church do that? We could leave our padded pews and our beautiful sanctuaries and walk with our neighbors in the slums and ghettos. We could be Jesus to those who need to know a savior.

Gentleness:

Vines dictionary gives this definition of gentleness; “characterizing a nurse with trying children or a teacher with refractory scholars or parents toward their children.” It implies equity and justice and an active dealing with others.

In thinking about the above definition, it seems that those we are to deal gently with are those we are trying to teach. Those we have authority over. Those who are looking toward us for training. What an opportunity to show the gentleness of Jesus to those in our care.

Our neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends who are non-believers or new in the faith would do well to watch us model this character trait of Jesus. Many expect this characteristic from us. I don’t know how many times I heard one co-worker, in particular, say that she is surprised at me when I failed to show gentleness to those around me. It should be a given for all believers.

Patience:

Patience is nearly always learned through trials. It is a characteristic of Jesus that may be one of the most difficult for some of us to learn. Sometimes we undergo a series of trials to help teach us patience. As we seek to become more Christ-like, we realize just how patient he has been with us. He doesn’t hurry us to become like him. He waits for us to make mistakes and learn. He stands beside us patiently waiting until we finally ‘get it.’ 

How patient are we with one another, especially within the body of Christ? I know that I get upset when I see a brother or sister in Christ not maturing as quickly as I would like for them to grow. I just don’t see sometimes how they can make the same mistakes over and over again. I wonder who is looking at me thinking the same thing? 

How can we clothe ourselves in patience? What can we do to become more congenial with one another? Maybe just a reminder now and then of just how patient Christ has been with us would help. When you hear someone berating a brother or sister for making the same mistakes over and over, remind them that Jesus stood by us when we made mistakes and expects us to come along side our brothers and sisters to encourage them when they fail.

Bear with one another:

Vines calls it forbearance and says it means to hold up, to bear with. It also means to refrain from doing something. As a church family, we will have to deal with one another through some majors trials and set-backs in each others lives. 

I am remembering a time when I was going through a difficult transition in my life. My sister-in-law had come to stay with us for an indefinite period of time. She was a beautiful Christian woman, but it is extremely hard for two women, with differing viewpoints, to share a kitchen and a home. Needless to say, I was grumpy and out of sorts on many occasions and was able to receive ‘forbearance’ from my small group. They literally held me up during that time although they could have and maybe did want me to just drop out of the group, they prayed with me and with my sister-in-law and taught me what forbearance was all about.

Love over all:

Love is the covering that holds all the Christ-like characteristics in place. We can be compassionate, kind, gentle, humble and patient, but without love for one another and for those that God puts in our pathway, we can never truly be Christ-like. 

Does this mean that we have to love everyone? Well, no not exactly. Jesus can do that for us, but he will use us to reflect his love. Have you ever known anyone that you just absolutely couldn’t love? Someone who grated on your nerves and literally made you crazy? We are all different sort of personalities, God made us different. He knew that some people would be more compatible with us than others, but he also knew that those who drive us crazy can help us grow in Christ-like character traits. It will be during those times of extreme aggravation that we will call upon Jesus to be compassionate through us, to help us be kind and gentle when we don’t want to, to be humble and lift those who are making us crazy to the throne. Jesus will be the one we call upon to help us be patient just as he was with us.

Lord Jesus, Thank you for clothing your church with the qualities that you exhibit. We want to be a spotless church and we want God to look at us and see you. We ask for your help and your guidance. And we thank you for your unending love for us. Amen.