You might be wondering why I’m asking that question. This is, after all, the season for shopping and holiday parties. If we’re to believe all the hype, we might buy into the idea that the perfect little black dress is out there just waiting to make us look ten pounds thinner and five years younger.
But, this isn’t about what you’re wearing on your physical body. It’s about your spiritual clothes.
Many of us are familiar with the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-20. (And, no, I don’t leave home without it!) However, I’m talking about some other “clothes.”
Colossians 3:12-14 says this:
First of all, this is written to believers. Paul, the author of these words, wanted to remind his readers that they belong to God, are holy (God has already been at work in their hearts, changing them), and loved by Him. Then, Paul wants us to take action.
Under inspiration from God, Paul tells us to get dressed! He then lists the items in our outfit: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. To top it off, he further dictates that forgiveness and love are the finishing touches to this ensemble!
Today, I want to address compassion. This compassion is the same kind of compassion that the good Samaritan and the father of the prodigal son demonstrated; compassion that went beyond just feelings of pity or concern. Compassion requires action!
Compassion is best exhibited by the way we treat others…often those who seem to be the least deserving. It’s fairly easy to show compassion for those outside of the walls of our home. It can often be a one-time effort to meet a short-term need of someone you may or may not know.
At home, compassion can sometimes be harder to express, but your husband may just be in need of your expression of compassion for him for a situation that he is facing (at work, with a friend, with a parent, illness, or a myriad of other scenarios, both long- and short-term). Because you know the “behind the scenes” details, compassion might not come naturally.
Like me, you may be tempted to “fix” his problem. Or suggest a different plan of attack. Or maybe even subtly imply that the problem he’s facing is one of his own making. None of these is an expression of compassion. Compassion also implies “suffering with” a person. If you’re doing any of these “other” things, you’re not suffering with your hubby…you might even be causing more suffering.
Compassion is far better than the perfect little black dress! When I have experienced compassion from someone, something happens in my heart toward him (or her). My perception of them is positively effected by that compassion! I find that person more attractive and I’m more likely to assume that they have great motives for all that they do…how could they be anything less than awesome when they have been so compassionate with me?!
So…get dressed today. Put on the best “outfit” available to you and see how God’s clothes are far better than even the most beautiful designer garments!
Getting dressed to bless,
Rebecca
