The heart-robe
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience … - COLOSSIANS 3:12
Sink into a soft wool robe on a winter’s morning and you will grasp what it means to “put on” the kind of heart that reflects Christ and blesses others. Literally, the Greek of COLOSSIANS 3:12 suggests stretching out your arms and letting your body be enveloped by fresh soothing garment.
The weave of this heart-robe is of five strands. “Compassions” are sincere, heart-felt understandings of the suffering and need of others. The skein of “kindness” is integrity in dealing with people. The thread of “humility” is modest behavior, not the strangling chord of bravado and self-exaltation. “Gentleness” is pure silk, strength that is soft.
The fifth thread in the weave of the heart-robe is “patience” that holds up under stress and stays steady under annoyance. Weave a heart-robe of this rich yarn and you’ll be warm and so will all those you touch.
TODAY’S FOCUS
Jot down in your journal some situations that demand these 5 traits and your plans for dealing with each one or person in a Christ-like way – then pray.