PODCAST
Source of Compassion
January 25th, 2015
Colossians 3:6-15
How may we “clothe” ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience? By believing, understanding, and embracing our identity in Christ. Paul told the Colossians that they were chosen by God, and that they were holy and dearly loved for their relationship with God. We are reminded that we are loved, freed, and transformed for service to God and Him alone.
Author Roger Gottlieb writes: “Our lives will be far happier, in an enduring and deep way, and we will be a lot more fun to be around, if we seek to live by certain virtues. To the extent that we choose to be mindful, accepting, grateful, compassionate, and loving, our own contentment will grow and our interpersonal behavior will be increasingly caring, respectful, and just.”*
Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience are components of Christian holiness. John Wesley wrote: “Always, remember the essence of Christian holiness is simplicity and purity; one design, one desire, entire devotion to God.”**
* Roger S. Gottlieb, Spirituality: What It Is and Why It Matters, London: Oxford University Press, 2012.
** W. Stephen Gunter, The Quotable Mr. Wesley, Atlanta: Candler School of Theology, Emory University, 2003, 19.
Author: Phil Pinckard
January 25th, 2015 at 5:58 pm
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
The way we clothe our selves is to chose God. To make a conscious decision to have a personal relationship with God through the blood of Jesus Christ.
January 26th, 2015 at 1:01 am
Being clothed with ” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience” is counterculture! Though, today, eyebrows are raised at this demonstration, this is the essence that attracts others to the Lord Jesus. Our devotion to the Lord, steeped in holiness, is what will make us exude this “godly essence” needed for teaching and making disciples. This demonstration of love will break chains and set captives free.