Clothe Yourselves With Tenderhearted Mercy: A look at Colossians 3:12

Colossians 3:12 NLT

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

God has chosen us. He pursues us and chooses us long before we respond to salvation. Salvation is a free gift, but the only way we can come to salvation and come to know Jesus is if God allows us. It is a work of the Holy Spirit and the part we play in this whole process is to respond to God’s free gift of salvation. It cost God everything, but it is a free gift that is received by faith.

Paul writes here that we must clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy. What should mark the child of God is the character and nature of Christ. If we were to describe God with a single word the best option would be the word love. But within God’s love His mercy is found. He pours out His mercy on those who don’t deserve it because He loves them with an unconditional eternal love. No matter how hard we try we will never fully understand the love God has for us. But if this extravagant love is poured out on us, how much more should we demonstrate that love to others.

But Paul not only tells us to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, but we are also called to clothe ourselves with kindness, gentleness, and patience. When we examine all of these words, we see that Paul is simply telling us to clothe ourselves with Jesus Christ. But the only way we can clothe ourselves with Christ is by abiding in Him on a daily basis. We must draw near unto the Lord through prayer, through His word, and fellowshipping with other believers. As we grow in Christ and draw near to Christ, we become more like Him. It is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that transforms us from the inside out.

Prayer

Father help me to clothe myself each day with who you are. I pray that the fruit of the Holy Spirit will fill my life. That it will be produced and that as your refine and prune me, your kingdom will be increased in my heart and life. May my life be lived to glorify you in all things. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!