2. GODLY CHARACTER: With the background of our salvation in mind, Paul lists some godly qualities that we are to put on like our ‘uniform.’
A. Compassion,
B. Kindness,
C. Humility,
D. Gentleness and
E. Patience.
When we see someone wearing a particular uniform, we have a certain understanding about who they are and certain expectations about what they do.
The same is true for us as Christians. Our ‘uniform’ is the character of Christ, which is the revealed nature of God. We were all made in God’s image, but that image has been corrupted by sin. As Christians, God is in the process of restoring the correct expression of His image within and through us.
The above 5 qualities might also be thought of as the 5 fingers of our Christian ‘work gloves.’ We wear gloves to enable us to handle potentially dangerous things that could harm our hands. The qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience are what people should experience from us when we interact with them.
In their own way, having these qualities deeply ingrained in our behavior can protect us from the effects of sin from those we deal with. Sometimes that sinful person is another Christian who hasn’t grown enough in a particular area of their life.
Sometimes WE are that sinful person. We are all still a work in progress in our Christ-like character.
Think of some times when you realized God had been compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and/or patient with you as He was teaching you to live His character, to BE His image.
Let God know in prayer how much you appreciate Him being like that with you.
Bill's Bible Blog 