Two-minute read.
On my first day as a flight attendant, we got fitted for our uniforms. Before I ever stepped onto an airplane, they taught me how to dress. The company required certain pieces—skirts, pants, blouses, and jackets. We also had optional items to choose from: a winter coat, a dress, extra blouses, and other accessories.
By the end of that day, I knew exactly what the company expected me to wear and how to present myself. They didn’t just instruct us on our uniforms; they taught us how to apply our makeup so that we reflected the image the company wanted to present to the world.
In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he explains how believers should dress for Jesus. Just as the airline had a dress code for its employees, Christ calls His followers to clothe themselves with His virtues: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. When we embody these qualities, we represent God’s Son and help others come to know the Savior. Not accidental responses—intentional choices.
Just as I knew what my employer expected when I dressed for work as a flight attendant, Paul reminds us what God expects His followers to wear.
In addition to these virtues, we must forgive as Christ forgave us—fully and completely. We do not forgive because the offender deserves it, but because we have received undeserved forgiveness from Jesus. Given such a gift, He asks us to extend it to others.
Love holds the whole outfit together; the belt that completes the garment. Without love, kindness becomes shallow, humility becomes performance, and patience quickly fades. The motivation of our hearts determines our actions. When we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our inner being, we begin to respond as Jesus did, leaving behind the patterns of our old life. Love unites us and helps us reflect the Savior in ways that draw others toward His light.
As we live this way, the peace of Christ begins to rule in our hearts. People will recognize us by that peace as we put His teachings into practice. Our lives become a beacon in a dark world as we seek to live in harmony with others. Clothing ourselves with Christ’s virtues expresses divine love, promotes peace in our relationships, and cultivates gratitude that keeps our hearts tender and focused on God’s goodness.
Just as we get dressed each day, we can choose to put on our spiritual clothes. Put on compassion like a coat. Wear kindness like a shirt. Walk in the shoes of humility and fasten everything together with love. Let peace guide your steps and gratitude fill your heart.
In Christ, we have everything we need to live an abundant life and to love others well.
Journal Questions:
How can compassion replace resentment?
What helps you dress in these attributes?
What does living at peace look like in your life?
Application:
Perform one unexpected act of kindness.
