The New You, Part 3

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

How do we know what this new identity is? Paul gives a partial listing as he describes the qualitites of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, and love. There are more characteristics, of course; but think of them this way. Each virtue is a part of our new wardrobe of righteousness.

Through the grace of God, each of these moral and spiritual garments has been hung in the innermost closet of our being. They are gifts from God - distributed equally to all men. However, like dressing for each day, it is our decision whether or not we will wear this heavenly attire. That is why Paul tells us to “... put on a heart of compassion...” (Col. 3:12). These spiritual garments are useless unless we wear them. How do we do that?

First, know they are already yours. You are “complete in Christ.” Everything you need as a person is yours to wear as a believer. You cannot purchase them with self-discipline or noble intent. You are “in Christ.” Therefore, they are yours.

Second, they become yours by simple faith. Just say, “God, I thank You today that You have given me the patience I need. I put on the patience of Christ.”

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25