"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience," Colossians 3:12 ESV.
What a beautiful way to start the morning in reading that we are God's holy and beloved chosen ones. But in enjoying that relationship, there are some expectations on how we are to conduct ourselves. These attributes are the polar opposite of human standards. We are to be compassionate instead of unfeeling, demonstrate kindness in place of heartlessness, respond with humility instead of ego, react with meekness instead of aggressiveness, and show forbearance over impatience.
At first, it seems like a nearly impossible list. But the hope lies in the fact that we are "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved." He would not ask us to do anything we cannot do with his help. That is where the Holy Spirit comes in to play; our internal guide to righteous living. In listening and obeying our shepherd, we can meet the higher standard.
Our most awesome God, we give you thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge we find it difficult to act in a way that is pleasing to you, and we need your help. Please help us remember our internal guide and respond to its direction, that we may live righteously. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
