Session 19

No one gets it right all the time

From Colossians: A 28-Day Devotional

No one is consistently kind, humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, and loving on their own.

Left to our own devices, we’re patient until someone cuts us off in traffic. We’re kind until someone talks about our kids. We’re humble until the wrong person gets the promotion. We’re loving when people love us back.

That’s why Colossians 3:12 tells us to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It’s a choice every day to remember who we are — God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved — and to live accordingly.

Have you ever had a boss who didn’t fully understand their responsibility? Everyone is looking at them to lead, but they won’t make the hard decisions, so nothing ever changes.

Sometimes, we do that as Christians. We get dressed and go into the day, forgetting who we are. As a result, we don’t walk in the ability and authority we’ve been given.

We know how to bear with one another and forgive one another because Jesus has done that for us. We know what it looks like to love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).

When we enter each day equipped with the knowledge of who we are, we can do what doesn’t come naturally, because we know we’re not doing it alone. As God’s chosen people, we have His Spirit empowering us.

The characteristics Colossians calls us to put on — compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience — are products of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). So when that car cuts you off, remember whose you are and draw from the supernatural strength He’s given you not to respond in frustration.

Reflect:

• How does knowing your place change how you respond to someone?
• How can knowing you are God’s chosen and beloved child change your approach to the situations awaiting you today?