Choosing patience…

John Povey June 03, 2026 0 1

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Colossians 3: 12-17 (NIV-UK)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The phrase "dress for success" is a longstanding piece of advice operating on the principle that dressing appropriately projects competence, trustworthiness, and respect.  It is advice given to people, for example, in going for a job interview.

The major problem with this is that styles alter quickly these days. They also vary from culture to culture. What is viewed as acceptable and even attractive in one may be seen as offensive and in poor taste in another.

The good news is that spiritual garments are timeless. What was in style in the first century is still in style anyplace and anytime, right up to the present day and beyond.

As we let go of our earthly ways, today’s passage encourages us to wrap ourselves in the wonderful qualities of Christ. 

What may we anticipate as we don this clothing that God provides? Godly apparel, always in season, includes compassion, forgiveness, peace, thanksgiving, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Love is like the warm and strong outer coat which holds everything close together. Love is the unifying force in the family of faith. By embracing these ideals, we can show Christ's character in our everyday interactions and relationships.

The heavenly wardrobe is beautifully woven from the hands of a divine tailor. Each garment was perfectly worn by Jesus. He longs to see us wear them too.

Do you want to “dress for success”? Do you want to feel confident and good in your clothes? Follow Paul’s advice, and you can anticipate so much more than any human style of clothing may offer. Fashions change, and colours fade, but Christlike virtues remain strong, clear, well fitting, and eternal.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, clothe me, I pray, with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and thankfulness. Give me the grace to bear with others and to forgive without reserve, just as I am forgiven through Christ. Above all, help me to put on love, and to anticipate perfect unity and peace in this life and in the life to come. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.