Respectful Obedience

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12) 
 
As believers, we are to take off our old ways, almost as if we were changing our dirty clothes. 
 
We are to deal drastically with sin, putting it to death so that whatever the Lord has called us to do, we can do wholeheartedly.
 
When your heart or mind is divided or torn, it is impossible to fully focus on what God has for you to do each day.  

Colossians tells us that we are God’s chosen oneself.
 
How amazing and life-changing is that? 

The Creator of the entire universe chose you
 
And He wants you to be an extension of His love, offering others His compassion and kindness so that they too might know Him. 

None of us is perfect, but as we choose to follow the Lord, those around us will notice the changes. 
 
As you put on your clothes for the day, imagine putting on kindness and love. Ask God to help you follow after Him wholeheartedly, in respectful obedience. 

When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray after reading this devotion you are reminded to keep your head up and keep your heart strong,  and remember, you have been chosen by The Creator of the entire universe. Remember this, Your life as a Christian should make non believers question their disbelief in God.  
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

 



Try a Little Kindness

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12) 
 
Notice the word clothe. The Greek word literally means “put on.” What Paul is saying here is that when we wake up in the morning, we ought to get dressed spiritually and emotionally as well as physically. When we wake up in the morning and decide what to wear, we should also ask ourselves, “What kind of attitude am I going to wear today?” 
 
Paul says kindness is a choice. It is something we can choose to “put on” every day. 
 
Kindness is “love in action” — a practical expression of love. It is visible and active, not just emotional. There is a song that says, “Find the need and fill it. Find the hurt and heal it.” That is kindness. 
 
But why should we be kind? After all, kindness can be risky. We might be misunderstood if we are kind to others. They might think, “Why is this person being so nice? What’s in it for him?” People we are kind to also might take advantage of us. They might become parasites with the attitude, “Oh, here’s a sucker. I’ll milk him for all he’s worth.” 
 
Despite the risks, we are to be kind for two reasons. First, we are to be kind because God is kind to us. Ephesians 2:8
says, 
 
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 
 
Grace and kindness always go together. Poet Robert Burns said that the kind heart most resembles God. We should be kind just because God is kind to us. 
 
The other reason we should be kind is that we want people to be kind to us. We want to be treated right. Jesus said, 
 
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them — Matthew 7:12 
 
If you are rude to other people, they are going to be rude to you. But if you are kind, most people will want to respond the same way. Proverbs 21:21 says, 
 
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. 
 
In Proverbs 11:17 we read, 
 
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 
 
So when we are kind, we are really doing ourselves a favor. 
 
So often we excuse ourselves when we are unkind. “That person deserved it.” “She just annoyed me.” “If I’m kind, he will see me giving an inch and he will take a mile.” Today, let’s ask the Lord to point out to us when we’re unkind and how we can respond with the kindness of Jesus instead, and pay attention to what He reveals. 
 
I pray this devotion blesses you, I feel it is a wonderful reminder that is needed for each and every one of us. Let’s respond with the kindness of Jesus today. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is 1 John 4:9 


A Heart of Compassion

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)

Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.

As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.

Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light—as people who need the gentle touch of grace. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Col. 3:12). He also suggests that we “forbear one another, and forgive one another” (v. 13).

As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us.

Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others. Amen.

I must admit, I needed this reminder today. We all need to set a Christ like example. Even in the moments when we feel our actions are justified, stop and think, how would Christ handle this situation or individual. He continues to show love and compassion. Let us stop and think before we speak or react to people or situations in our path today. Help us Lord to show compassion to others. Help us be a reflection of your light and love.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:12-17

 



A Heart of Compassion

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)

Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.

As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.

Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light—as people who need the gentle touch of grace. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Col. 3:12). He also suggests that we “Forbear one another, and forgive one another” (v. 13).

As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us. 

Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others. Amen!

When I read this I reflected on the times past when showing the gentle touch of grace didn’t come so easy. My prayer today is that in those moments when someone may respond rudely may I in return respond with compassion rather than anger. Putting on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Let’s strive to be a light in this dark world. Help me Lord, today, to have a heart of compassion.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:12-17