“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” — Colossians 3:12-13
It’s definitely winter in Charlotte, NC. While our winters are brief compared to those up north, the bone-chilling cold is unmistakable. Our two boys are older and wiser now, but there was a time when they’d head out into the cold without a jacket. Red cheeks and runny noses didn’t seem to clue them in that layering up would make a huge difference. While Dad often leaned toward letting them learn the hard way, Mom—ever nurturing—would make sure they were properly dressed before braving the bitter chill.
Life has its own seasons. We’ve all experienced those “winter” seasons when nothing seems to go as we’d like. Difficult circumstances weigh on us, influencing the posture of our hearts. We can become discouraged, bitter, calloused, and even distant from those closest to us.
In Colossians, we’re reminded to “put on” the virtues of God’s Spirit, much like we put on layers to face a cold winter day. We’re called to be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness.
Whatever harsh conditions you might be navigating in your marriage today, remember this: your response and emotional health can be warmed by obeying God’s Word. Clothe yourself in the qualities Paul describes to the church in Colossae.
God, in His great mercy, extends to us forgiveness beyond anything we could ever imagine. Receive His forgiveness today, and be willing to offer that same forgiveness to others. While the winter season of your circumstances may not instantly change, putting on the layers of a Spirit-filled life can pave the way to a much warmer season ahead.
