As the seasons change, we also change our clothing. We put on our shorts, vest tops and sandals in the Summer, and then we bring out the long sleeves and dark colours in the Autumn, which means I have an excuse to go shopping! My husband always jokes that random people turn up at the door and give me brand new clothes for free.
We can be so fussy about what we wear.
Not long ago, I was reading a book in the Bible called Colossians. It’s in the New Testament. Colossians 3:12-15 says:
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
One of the first choices we face every morning is ‘what will I wear?’ I personally love autumn because I’m happy in my jeans, Ugg boots and jacket. I’m sure you all have your favourite seasons and items of clothing as well.
While the clothes we wear are important and can say a lot about us, these verses in the Bible remind us that we are to clothe ourselves with ‘mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,’ and, above all, with LOVE. Wearing these things is even more important than wearing clothes, and we wouldn’t dare to go about our day naked (or would we?)!
If we wear these kinds of clothes, people will notice the difference!
Let’s be a group of people that others can see something different in! Let’s be a group of people that the world can see the love of God in! Let’s take time to bless those who need it most! Let’s be radical in our love for others! Very often our actions will compel people to ask questions and give us an opportunity to witness about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and what he’s done in our lives!
Perhaps your wardrobe needs to be reshuffled and you need to put these qualities in Colossians back on? It could be that you must first take off some things you’re wearing to make room for the right kind of clothes.
The Bible reminds us in Colossians that love is the most important thing we can wear. Please don’t leave it on a coat hanger; it is meant to be worn!
Let’s declutter our wardrobes and WEAR LOVE!
Julie
Julie Innes is a former addict, who is now a Prison Chaplain. Julie is also a regular speaker at our Fixed conferences.