Monday, March 17, 2014

Verse of the Day 3/17

 
Colossians 3:12-13  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  New International Version (NIV)
 
Yesterday we considered how people are generally dedicated followers of something or someone.  As Christians we are to be followers of Jesus.  Colossians 3 shows us that we are to "seek the things above (v.1), put to death (v.5) sexual immorality and worldly desires, and put away (v.8) anger, malice, slander and obscene talk (among other things).  Those are the don'ts.
 
Today's verses focus on what we are to do.  Some translations say that we are to "put on" these the attributes mentioned in these verses.  The NIV says we are to "clothe" ourselves, wrap ourselves in these qualities, they are the outward coverings, what others will see, and should be recognizable as the "fashions" of being a Christian.  Quite a contrast to the person who is a dedicated follower of fashion that we considered yesterday.
 
Verse 14 puts the cap on it, "and above all these put on love" (ESV).  If these traits are visible on us, can be seen on us, it shows that we are truly followers.  Steven Curtis Chapman, in his song "God Follower" sings of "walking the trail He's marked for me".  May we walk it clothed with the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love mentioned in this passage.
 
I want to be a God follower
I want to go wherever He leads
I want to be a God follower
I want to walk the trail He's marked for me
And be a God follower
(More than anything)
 
In Christ,
Mike
 
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Colossians 3:12

The Message (MSG)

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

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