Are you clothed?

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I hope you are – it would be weird if you’re not. What are you wearing? If you’re wearing a uniform, or working from home, perhaps you didn’t put much thought into what you wear. But if you’re like most people, you put some time into thinking what you would wear today. You might have tried on multiple outfits, balancing comfort with style, practicality with a message.

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Here’s a tougher question - are you clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and/or patience? I hope you are, but it would be normal if you’re not.

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One of the things I like about these devos is that it reminds me to do things that I know I should do. I know I should clothe myself with – immerse myself in – all sorts of good things, such as the eight virtues that Paul mentions in Colossians 3, the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, the armor of God in Ephesians 6: 10-18, and more.

So, how do you clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and/or patience? You can’t do it alone – but with God, all things are possible, and the Holy Spirit can empower you to do more than you could ever do alone. Also, if you’re not already in one, consider an ACF Group – either to attend or, perhaps, to lead! Discipleship in ACF groups may help you to remember to clothe yourself in these virtues each day!

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Here’s a practical challenge – as you dress this morning or tomorrow, think about putting on one or two of these (all of them might be challenging, like wearing five shirts or five pairs of pants). And don’t forget to bear with one another, forgive one another, and to put on love!

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How do you clothe yourself with compassion? First, pray for a sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Then, pay attention to see if you see someone in need who needs your help today. Then, help them!

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How do clothe yourself with kindness? First, pray to be friendly, generous, or considerate. Then, be friendly! Say hello to someone you wouldn’t normally greet. Call them by name if they have a name tag on. Offer to pray for them. Smile at someone (but not in a weird way).

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How do you clothe yourself with humility? First, pray for humility. Paul actually tells us how to do this in Philippians 2:3: he says to consider others better than ourselves. Then, let someone cut in front of you on the highway or give up a parking spot. Open a door for a stranger. Offer to carry someone’s groceries or package from the post office.

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How do you clothe yourself with gentleness? First, pray for gentleness. Then, dwell on Proverbs 15:1 today as you deal with people. It says that a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word will stir up anger. Today, focus on being gentle with your words.

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How do you clothe yourself with patience? First, pray for patience. Then, meditate on Psalm 37:7 – it says to be still and to wait patiently on the Lord. Do you have something you’re anxiously waiting for? Wait patiently for the Lord.  Do you have an answer you’re waiting on? Wait patiently for the Lord. He will not let you down.

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So, what are you going to wear today?