Tag: Colossians 3:12

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Colossians 3:12g – A Car Called Patience

The view from a car waiting for the train to pass at a RR crossing.

…[clothe yourselves with] … patience.

Summary: Patience is an interesting word. It evokes looking at the clock waiting for our favorite TV show to start, but it is so much more than that. 

Finally, we come to the end of the train! Like sitting in your car at a railroad crossing waiting for the endless stream of boxcars to file by. You have patiently waited until we finally get to the last rail car; a car called “Patience.” 

What do you think of when you see that word? Does the word “suffering” come to mind? 

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Colossians 3:12e – Something to Remember

AI Picture of Moses in four stages of life - as a baby in a basket, as a young man, as a shepherd, and with the burning bush.

…[clothe yourselves with] … humility …

Summary: In the grand scheme of things, understanding a word like “humility” requires us to have an understanding of how we measure our own self-importance. 

When I think of humility, I always think of Moses. The Bible says that Moses was “a very humble man.” It goes on to say that he was “more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Number 12:3). 

At first glance, that statement sounds oxymoronic. 

We assume the first five books of the Bible are written by Moses, so how could he claim to be “more humble than anyone else” and still be humble? 

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Colossians 3:12d – God’s Compass

Picture of a direction marker against a background of stars.

…[clothe yourselves with] … kindness …

Summary: The word “kindness” can mean different things depending on who is being kind to whom. However, when it comes to godly kindness there is only one standard, and God wrote the book on it. 

When you think about the word “kindness,” what examples come to mind? Do you think of something someone has done for you, or does your mind go to things you have done for others? 

What kind of thing comes to mind these days? If I pay for your coffee, is that a kindness? What if I make you smile with a kind word or hold the door for you?

“Kindness” is one of those words that sounds simple and obvious, but in practice, it can be hard to pin down. 

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Colossians 3:12c – Doing Compassion

…[clothe yourselves with] …compassion …

Picture of people serving food to an elderly woman.

Summary: God’s Word is amazingly consistent in every way. Compassion has something very much in common with faith; both require deeds to become real. 

The first piece of spiritual “clothing” that Paul wants us to put on is compassion. 

“Compassion” is a word that describes the feelings of pity and sympathy we have for people who are suffering. The Greek word Paul used takes this concept even further. 

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Colossians 3:12b – God’s Closet

Picture: A clothes rack full of brightly colored sweatshirts.

…clothe yourselves with …

Summary: Paul provides us with an interesting metaphor for Christian living — putting on clothes. It is something we all do every day, and it is an easy way to visualize the change God wants to see in our lives. 

Yikes! This is where Christianity gets real. 

Looking back at verses nine and ten, Paul talks about taking off the “old self” and putting on the “new self.” Now he is telling us exactly how to do it. In the transition from nonbeliever to believer, this difference between “old self” and “new” is where the rubber hits the road. 

And what, exactly, is the difference? 

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Colossians 3:12a – The Rub

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,  …

Picture of a cat rubbing up against the corner of a fence.

Summary: This passage is a refreshing change of pace in Paul’s letter. He reminds us that our faith is not based on fear, but rather is couched in love. 

As we turn to look at this verse, the first five words are a show-stopper. Paul says we are “God’s chosen people!” Reading this gives us a reason to smile! 

So much of Paul’s letter to the Colossians sounds almost critical. It feels a bit like a stern lecture from a grandparent. Yet, even after admonitions of putting our “earthly nature” to death, Paul suddenly turns and says something nice! 

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