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“WEDNESDAY DEVOTIONAL IN THE WORD”
MARCH 18, 2026
“CLOTHED IN CHRIST, DRESSED FOR THE DAY”
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Each morning, we make a decision about what we will wear. Our clothing often reflects where we are going, or how we want to be perceived. In Colossians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul is teaching his readers, and us what the Christian life should look life. Those who have been raised wtih Christ, have put to death everything that steals our affections away from him. For the life that is hidden in Christ means that we have eliminated anything that is not part of our pursuit of him. In Colossians 3:12-17, believers are called to live out their new identity in Christ by clothing themselves with his very character.
Before we can do anything for God, we must recognize who we are to him. We are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved. This identity is not earned; it is given, making us set apart (holy) and cherished (beloved) by God, Because we belong to God, we are called to intentionally clothe ourselves in Christ-like character. This is not about earning God’s love; it’s about living from the reality that we are already loved.
Paul names Eight Spiritual Garments:
- Compassion—Seeing others through the lens of mercy.
- Kindness—Acting with generosity in word and deed.
- Humility—Recognizing that our strength and worth comes from God.
- Gentleness—Using power carefully and tenderly.
- Patience—Trusting God’s timing while enduring with Grace.
- Forgiveness—God has forgiven you, so we must extend it to others.
- Love—Love binds all of these virtues together in perfect harmony for proper function.
- Peace—The Peace of Christ “Rule or act as Umpire” in our hearts and minds.
These qualities are especially important in community. Churches, families and friendships, will grow when believers intentionally dress themselves in this way. All of this is accomplished by allowing God’s Word to soak into us. This is done because we immerse ourselves in His Word so it dwells in us richly. This occurs through the Preaching, Teaching and Worshipping the Lord, with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Then everything we say and do, will be done under the authority of Christ with thanksgiving.
So today before you step into your responsibilities and relationships, take a moment to ask: “What am I wearing spiritually?” Then ask the Lord to let all that you do and say reflect his love, as He helps you to be clothed in Christ, getting Dressed for the Day. Amen.
Pastor Andrea (Rev. Andie)
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