Bible Text: Colossians 3 | Speaker: Darlene Sala | Series: Encouraging Words | On a previous program I talked about what God wants us to wear. But today I’m going to be even more specific. In the Bible in Colossians chapter 3 we’re told to “Clothe [ourselves] with…” seven characteristics that God wants us to put on. If we do, we’ll have an entire outfit: pants or a skirt, a shirt or blouse, belt, shoes, hat and coat. And all of the highest quality!

The first on the list is compassion. That’s the blouse or shirt, because it’s worn close to the heart. When our hearts filled with compassion, we’ll reach out to those around us, starting with our own families but also to a needy world.

The second is kindness, and since it’s our legs that carry us to do helpful things for others, kindness must be the skirt or pants.

And if kindness is the pants or skirt, the belt that keeps kindness on is patience! With patience, we have the grace to continue to treat others kindly even when they’re unresponsive.

Humility certainly must be the shoes—the items closest to the ground. Shoes of humility will take us to help those who are less fortunate than we are.

For accessories, try gentleness. Not very flashy but oh so attractive. Peter says “your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Instead, it should be that of … a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Item Number Six–forgiveness, and I think that is the hat, for, you see, forgiveness is first a decision you make in your head, then an emotion of the heart.

How about a coat to keep out the cold? Scripture says, “Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:14). And love absolutely radiates warmth.

Don’t you agree: the person wearing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love is well dressed for any occasion! Let’s go shopping for God’s wardrobe!