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As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)
There's nothing more embarrassing than to be dressed incorrectly for an important event. If one is invited to a formal event, especially one which will be a blessing to us for attending, one will go to the lengths needed to dress appropriately.
The same is true for the disciple's life we are called to live. We should be dressed, as Paul says here, in the clothing that blesses God and God's children. Nothing says NON-CHRISTIAN or NON-DISCIPLE better than "wearing" non-compassion, rudeness, arrogance, and impatience. Paul knew the way people learn from us as they observe us and Who we represent, and the finest clothing for our lives as believers is to be compassionate and kind to others. We should remember we are God's and have that humility about our call. We should seek to listen and love rather than shout and judge, reject and scare off. We are called to bear with one another, and seek solutions to our differences; especially forgiving those who have offended or hurt us. For you see, the peace of Christ should rule in our hearts and we are called to be one body; a thankful body. And Christ's body is called to grow, not just stay in shape.
The best way to clothe ourselves in this way is to pray, read the Word, and let the Word come to dwell in our hearts. With Christ present and active in our living, we will be teachers and shapers of others, and we will show the world how blessed they can be as well, through God's love as found in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Lord, as I pray and plan for next year, let me plan on growing and living in ways that bless You and Yours. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS I have been a bit restful during these days, and starting later today will be moving one of our daughters to her new home. Therefore, you will not have a ConCafe again until next year. So, have a Happy New Year's celebration; welcome the Year in prayer.
Love,
Eradio
