Title Putting on the Clothes of Christ
Contents
“Therefore, as God’s chosen, holy and beloved ones, clothe yourself with mercy, mercy, humility, gentleness, and long-suffering; and if anyone accuses anyone, bear with one another and forgive one another, just as the Lord has forgiven you, and you also Add love above things, which is the perfect bond. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which you were called as one body, and be thankful."
If you go to the sea, there are hermit crabs. There are more than one hundred species of hermit crabs worldwide, and some of them come with shells that they can live in from birth. Some are hermit crabs that do not have their own shells from birth. However, since people who do not have a house can live without a house, if they find it in their eyes, they can go anywhere and live as if it were their own house. After crawling, pick one of the empty shells, spread your claws and measure the mouth of the shell. After measuring it, if you say that the house will fit you, you push it in from the boat without delay. and live in it. After living, if the conch grows in size and becomes uncomfortable, or if he gets a little tired of living, he immediately takes off the shell and sets out to find another shell. If you like something, you go in and if you don't like it, you throw it away. This is said to be the lifestyle of hermit crabs. Among those who believe in Jesus, those who lack it have a habit of changing their houses as often as hermit crabs.
When it comes to Sunday, there is a shell that you can put on and go on on Sunday, that is, there is a shell that you can pretend to be a believer in Jesus. When the week passes and Monday comes, we need another shell that we can live without burden in the world. But there is only one garment for true believers. The clothes of Jesus Christ, that's all. Wear those clothes and go everywhere. To do that, you must change your mind to focus on the spiritual rather than the physical, the eternal rather than the temporal, and the God-centered rather than self-centered, so that you can live for God's glory wherever you are.
“Whoever was baptized into Christ has put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
As Christians, we are the holy ones chosen by God.
We are chosen for the glory of God. Therefore, it must be different from the forgiveness of the world. As a Christian, we must wear the clothes of Christ that are appropriate for our status. What clothes should we wear?
First, clothes are clothes of mercy. It is not the nature of Christ to despise others, to disrespect others, and to regard them as inferior to ourselves. Uplifting others and showing compassion for those in need are the clothes of Jesus' character. From there, a new relationship begins.
Second, we must put on the garment of mercy. In the original language, 'mercy' means 'kindness'. Believers in Jesus must be kind. Even if you have done something wrong, you should approach them kindly with a compassionate heart. God wants to be kind rather than smart.
Third, we must wear clothes of humility. It is humility that Jesus left the heavenly throne behind and came into the world. It was also humility itself that was born out of a horse feeder in a stable. Moreover, he obeyed the Father's will and showed humility until he died on the cross.
Fourth, we must wear clothes of gentleness. The Lord came as ruler, but He did not reign. He rules with meekness instead of coercion. Meekness is not weakness. It's just being considerate of others. It is the heart that yields one's rights.
Fifth, clothes of patience. It's important to be patient with what's wrong and not retaliation or outbursts of anger if others get angry. This is a virtue that builds up a community.
And look at verse 13. If anyone has a grudge against anyone, forgive one another and forgive one another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so do you. Tolerating one another means accepting our brothers and sisters as they are, leaving their weaknesses and flaws intact. This is not so easy. It's not easy to put up with all of this when you occasionally get nervous, criticize, speak harshly, and have an unfair attitude. But without forgiveness, the church cannot survive. If the Lord had not forgiven us on the cross, we would still be under the wrath of God. But God has washed away our sins. Not only that, but He poured out His abundant grace abundantly. As the Lord has forgiven you, so you too. And add love on top of all of this. This is the belt of complete tying.
Today, I pray in the name of the Lord that you may live with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, longsuffering, forgiveness, and love as those who have clothed themselves with Jesus Christ.
* Prayer: Holy and loving God, I start my day today by declaring that I am a child of God. May it be a day when you strive to live a life of purity and cleanliness, a privilege that God Himself has given to your children. Help us to build the Church of God. Give up selfishness and superiority and humble yourself so that you may serve God, serve the saints, and be praised as an example of faith. May we live in the garments of the Christ of mercy, mercy, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Thank you for your grace and we pray in Jesus name. Amen