Gifting Spirit (Fruit of the Spirit)

  As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (New Revised Standard Version)

Throughout all my life, I have felt chosen by God. God has called me to different ministries at all stages of my life. I always find comfort in knowing I am holy and beloved because God said so. I don’t have to listen to the voices around me or my inner voice to know that. As a holy and beloved child of God, I am asked to clothe myself with exceptionally positive virtues in this passage. In Colossians, there is no contrast with vices, only a listing of virtues.

Some days it is easier to clothe myself with these virtues but other days, especially when I am being challenged by what I consider difficult people, it is more demanding. And yet, God still considers me holy and beloved, which makes me strive to clothe myself with the virtues God wants for me. Even on those days when I am around difficult people, I find that if I focus on clothing myself with compassion, kindness, meekness, and patience, then dealing with those difficult people is easier.

I will continue to clothe myself with God’s virtues because God considers me holy and beloved. By doing that, I will reflect what it means to have a new life in Christ.

Prayer: Faithful God, be present with us daily. Gifting Spirit, help us to clothe ourselves with your gifts of compassion, kindness, meekness, and patience. Amen.

Sharon – Cohort 4: Inspire. Ignite. Invite.

Shiloh Lutheran Church, Walton, IN