Clothing
Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:12-14
As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with … love …
Colossians 3:12-14
I used to ask people to fill out sermon evaluation forms for me (making sure they could do so anonymously). Most feedback was fairly positive, but I remember one evaluation form that came back with nothing but a brief note on the back. It said, “I don’t like filling out forms. If you’re doing something wrong, I’ll let you know.”
Hmmm. That meant that I would never hear anything positive from that person.
Sadly, that approach to communication can become a habit. Some people don’t speak up unless something is making them angry or disappointed, something that doesn’t measure up to their standards.
That’s not the way Christ’s disciples are called to act. If God has given you his grace and made you his through Jesus Christ, then you have some very special clothing to put on every morning: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and the virtue that unites them all—love.
In other words, people shouldn’t ever see you merely dressed in some kind of fabric. They should see that you have put on the “clothing” of love—that you are someone who can be trusted to say something helpful, true, and kind.
What’s in your wardrobe? How do you clothe yourself each day?
May people see you in us, dear God. Dress us beautifully today, we pray! Outfit us with the characteristics of Christ’s love. Amen.
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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