This sermon explores how to embody Christ-like virtues in our character, display compassion, and commit to daily devotion as guided by Colossians 3:12-17.
Good morning, dear friends. Welcome once again to our shared space of worship and reflection, a place where we gather to seek wisdom, understanding and guidance from the Word of God. It's a joy to be here with you today, as we open our hearts and minds to the divine message that awaits us in the book of Colossians.
We are about to embark on a spiritual trek, not into uncharted territory, but rather into the well-trodden paths of ancient wisdom, where countless souls have found solace, strength, and direction. Our focus today is Colossians 3:12-17. The apostle Paul, writing to the early church in Colossae, shares these words of divine wisdom: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
It's a passage that speaks directly to our hearts, urging us to embrace virtues that reflect the very nature of Christ. It's a call to a lifestyle that mirrors the divine, a lifestyle that is compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, loving, peaceful, and thankful.
When we think about our daily routine, getting dressed is one of the first things we do. We choose our clothes based on the weather, our mood, or the activities we have planned for the day. But Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, invites us to think about dressing in a different way. He encourages us to clothe ourselves with virtues that reflect the divine nature of God. This is not a physical dressing, but a spiritual one. It's about adorning our character with qualities that mirror the character of God.
Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are the garments Paul encourages us to wear. These are the very essence of God's character. When we clothe ourselves with these virtues, we are not just imitating God, we are becoming more like Him. We are allowing His nature to shape our character and influence our actions.
Compassion is the first garment Paul mentions. It's a quality that goes beyond mere sympathy. It's about feeling the pain of others and being moved to help. It's about seeing the world through the eyes of others and responding with love and care. When we clothe ourselves with compassion, we are choosing to be sensitive to the needs of others. We are choosing to reach out, to help, to comfort, and to heal.
He then mentions kindness. It's a quality that reflects the goodness of God. It's about treating others with respect and dignity. It's about being considerate, helpful, and generous. When we clothe ourselves with kindness, we are choosing to be good to others.
Humility is the third garment. It's a quality that reflects the modesty of God. It's about recognizing our limitations and acknowledging our dependence on God. It's about putting the needs of others before our own. When we clothe ourselves with humility, we are choosing to be modest. We are choosing to be selfless, to serve, and to give.
He moves on then to gentleness. It's a quality that reflects the gentleness of God. It's about being calm, peaceful, and patient. It's about treating others with care and respect. This is a choice to be calm and peaceful, to be patient, to listen, and to understand.
Patience is the fifth garment. It's a quality that reflects the patience of God. It's about being patient with others, with ourselves, and with life. It's about waiting for God's timing and trusting in His plan. When we put on this particular garment we are choosing to wait, to trust, and to hope.
In the tapestry of virtues that Paul presents us with, compassion stands out as a thread that weaves through every aspect of our Christian life ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
Sermon Central
