What Does Colossians 3:12 Mean?

Colossians 3:12 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible that holds great significance for Christians. It reads: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

This verse is a call to action for believers to live out their faith in a way that reflects the love and character of God. It reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we are not just saved by grace, but we are also called to embody the qualities that Jesus demonstrated during his time on earth.

The word “clothe” in this verse is a metaphor for putting on a new identity. It’s like putting on a new outfit that represents who we are and what we stand for. In this case, the outfit is made up of five specific qualities: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Compassion

Compassion is a deep feeling of sympathy and concern for the suffering of others. It’s the ability to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and feel their pain as if it were our own. As Christians, we are called to show compassion to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Kindness

Kindness is the act of being considerate and helpful to others. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show love and respect to those around us. By being kind, we can brighten someone’s day and make a positive impact on their life.

Humility

Humility is the quality of being modest and not thinking too highly of oneself. It’s the opposite of pride and arrogance. When we have humility, we recognize that everything we have and everything we are comes from God, and we give him the credit and glory.

Gentleness

Gentleness is a soft and tender approach to life and relationships. It’s a way of treating others with kindness and respect, even in difficult situations. By being gentle, we can diffuse tension and bring peace to those around us.

Patience

Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances without getting frustrated or angry. It’s a fruit of the Spirit and a key component of living a peaceful and joyful life. When we have patience, we can handle challenges with grace and peace, and we can trust that God is in control.

Putting it All Together

When we put on the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, we are living out our faith in a way that honors God and brings hope to those around us. By embodying these qualities, we become a reflection of Jesus and a light in the world.

It’s important to note that these qualities are not just for show. They are not something that we put on when we go to church or when we’re around other Christians. They are to be a part of our daily lives, in every situation and with every person we encounter.

Living out Colossians 3:12 is a lifelong journey, and it requires effort and intentional choices. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. When we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, we experience the fullness of life that God intended for us, and we bring hope and joy to those around us.

Conclusion

Colossians 3:12 is a powerful reminder of the kind of life that God wants for us. It’s a call to action for us to put on the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and to live out our faith in a way that reflects the love and character of God. By doing this, we become a reflection of Jesus and a light in the world.

So, let us take up this challenge and clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Let us live out our faith in a way that brings hope and joy to those around us and honors God in all that we do.