Clothe Yourselves

Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."   It sure has been a busy, hectic day!  At the end of this sometimes stressful day, I sure do wish I had spent quiet time with God before I started my day.  I knew I should have spent time reading my bible this morning, but somehow I convinced myself that just a little more sleep this morning was exactly what I needed. Reflecting on the events of the day, I realize now that I should have been more compassionate, more kind, more humble, more gentle, and certainly more patient.  It was very easy to do just the opposite, as I strived to gain control of each situation.  Little imperfections of others bothered me today, and I let certain events control me. As I studied this passage at the end of the day, I confess that it would have been beneficial for me to have spent time in God's word at the beginning of the day, not just before I drifted off to sleep at the end of the day. Dear Friend, have you clothed yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience today?  Have you forgiven others as the Lord has forgiven you?  And have you topped it all off with a generous scoop of love?  As the verses above have clearly said, love binds it all together in perfect unity.  Beginning today, let us all spend time each and every day in God's Word before we dive into the activities of the day.   Dave Henry