"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
Colossians 3:12 (Emphasis added)
If this doesn't say it all, then I don't know what will. We've covered God's kindness to us, and it is vast. But now we must look to the kindness we need to show to each other, and this verse, I believe, is the best way to discuss that point.
Paul tells the church at Colossae that they must "clothe" themselves in this and other traits. They literally need to put it on, like a coat, and have it visible and present for all to see. Equally important is the fact that they must have it wrapped around themselves, ensuring their own emotions and instant reactions and humanity don't hinder the spreading of the Word and the Way.
Think about that for a second: we're always fighting the urges of the flesh. So cover your flesh, all of it, with kindness and don't let your flesh show to others. If your flesh cannot get loose to cause the problems, then your problems just might seem a little less frightening. (I just love the way Paul uses metaphors!)
Take a moment today to reflect on how you can cover your flesh with a cloak of kindness. Cover up and respond first with the kindness that you show to others. Some things are still going to agitate the flesh, for certain... but how we respond to those things, and whether we show and use that kindness cloak will determine our effectiveness as witnesses! Show what you know, and honor the Lord in doing so!
God bless you all!!!
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