Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

(Based on Colossians 3:12-17)

Yesterday, when we walked through Colossians 3:1–11, Paul reminded us of the destructiveness of sin. He showed us the danger of holding on to the old self—the anger, the greed, the lust, the lies, the selfishness that eat away at our hearts. He told us to put off those grave clothes, the old rags of our sinful nature that weigh us down.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. In today’s passage—Colossians 3:12–17—he turns the corner. Instead of just telling us what not to wear, he gives us a whole new wardrobe. He doesn’t want us simply avoiding bad choices; he wants us making intentional, Christlike ones.

It’s not enough to say, “I won’t be bitter.” The better question is: What will I be instead? Not enough to say, “I won’t gossip.” What will I speak in its place? Not enough to say, “I’ll stop being selfish.” How will I actively show compassion?

This is where Paul’s imagery comes alive. He says: “Clothe yourselves.” That phrase carries action. It means you have a choice every day about what you put on, spiritually speaking. Just like you stand in front of your closet in the morning and decide what to wear, you have to make the same decision about your heart, your words, your attitude.

So let’s walk into God’s dressing room together today. Let’s look at the wardrobe He’s given us, piece by piece, and ask honestly: Am I wearing what reflects Christ, or am I still dragging around those old grave clothes?

The Identity Behind the Outfit

Before Paul lists the wardrobe, he reminds us who we are:

• Chosen – You didn’t stumble into this. God chose you, deliberately, lovingly, and with purpose.
• Holy – Not because of your record, but because of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Deeply loved – You are not just tolerated. You are wanted.

Why does Paul remind us of this? Because identity always shapes behavior. You dress differently depending on where you’re going. If you’re heading to a wedding, you don’t show up in sweatpants. If you’re going to work, you don’t (hopefully) wear pajamas. Where you’re headed and who you are influence what you put on.

Paul says: You are God’s chosen, holy, and loved people. So dress like it. Reflect it. Carry it.

The Wardrobe Makeover

Compassion – A Heart that Sees

Compassion is more than a feeling—it’s a way of seeing others. It notices the pain in someone’s eyes, the weariness in their voice, the burden they’re carrying. Compassion doesn’t rush past; it slows down and says, “I see you.”

For me, compassion often gets tested in the everyday, not the dramatic. It’s when I’m in a hurry and someone slows me down. Or when a text comes through at the worst possible time. Do I respond with frustration, or do I clothe myself with compassion and choose to love in that moment?

Kindness – The Small Gestures that Matter

Kindness is compassion with shoes on. It’s practical. It’s the small things that may seem insignificant but make a world of difference. A smile. A word of encouragement. Holding the door open. Sending a note.

Think of the last time someone showed you unexpected kindness. Didn’t it breathe life into you? That’s the power of this piece of clothing—it makes Christ visible through the ordinary.

Humility – The Outfit that Never Goes Out of Style

Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. It’s stepping back to give someone else the spotlight. It’s saying, “I don’t need to win every argument, prove every point, or have my way every time.”

This one’s tough. Our culture tells us to dress in pride, to make sure everyone notices us. But Paul says: put on humility. It may not turn heads in the world’s fashion show, but it reflects Christ more clearly than anything else.

Gentleness – Strength Under Control

Gentleness isn’t weakness. It’s controlled strength. Think of a powerful horse guided by a small bridle. Or Jesus Himself—He had the power to call down angels but chose to walk to the cross in surrender.

Gentleness means your words don’t crush. Your actions don’t bulldoze. Your presence makes others feel safe, not small.

Patience – The Long-Suffering Outfit

Let’s be honest: this is the one most of us leave hanging in the closet. Patience isn’t natural. We live in a world of two-day shipping and instant replies. Yet patience is love stretched out over time. It’s grace that doesn’t expire after the third offense.

Paul says, wear it daily. Not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.

Forgiveness – The Piece You Can’t Skip

Paul gets practical: “Bear with each other and forgive one another… as the Lord forgave you.”

That’s not an optional accessory. Forgiveness is essential. Unforgiveness is like wearing chains under your outfit—it binds you, weighs you down, makes it impossible to move freely.

But forgiveness? That’s freedom. That’s reflecting Christ. He didn’t just forgive us once; He keeps forgiving, restoring, renewing. We’re called to do the same.

And yes, forgiveness costs something. Sometimes it feels like putting on a piece of clothing that doesn’t quite fit at first—it’s uncomfortable. But over time, it changes us, softens us, frees us.

Love – The Finishing Touch

Paul saves the best for last. He says: “Above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Love is the belt, the cardigan, the glue that holds the whole outfit together. Without love, the rest falls apart. Compassion without love can be pity. Kindness without love can be self-serving. Humility without love can turn into false modesty.

Love is what makes all the other pieces real. And love isn’t just a feeling—it’s action. It’s sacrifice. It’s giving when it costs. It’s laying down your rights for the sake of someone else.

The Accessories: Peace and Gratitude

Now that you’re dressed, Paul says, don’t forget the accessories.

• Peace – Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Think of it as the decision-making guide. When you’re unsure which way to go, ask: Will this choice disturb the peace of Christ in me or in others? If so, it’s not the right outfit.
• Gratitude – Paul mentions thankfulness three times in these verses. Gratitude is the scarf, the final accent piece. It shifts your perspective from what’s missing to what’s already been given. Gratitude keeps you grounded and joyful.

Living Dressed for Success

Paul wraps up with this: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

That’s the call. Not to reflect Christ only when life is good. Not to wear compassion only when people are easy to love. Not to be kind only when we get something in return.

But in whatever we do—in work, in family, in hard conversations, in tired evenings, in frustrating mornings—reflect Christ.

Every day, you get to choose: Will I put on Christ, or will I put on the world? Will I reflect His love, or will I mirror the culture around me?

Bringing It Home

So let me ask you: What are you wearing today?

• Do you need to trade in frustration for patience?
• Do you need to lay down unforgiveness and put on grace?
• Do you need to wrap yourself in love again, even for the person who’s hardest to love?

Getting dressed spiritually is a daily choice. Some mornings, it won’t feel natural. Some days, you’ll forget and slip back into the old clothes. But the more you practice putting on Christ, the more natural it becomes.

And here’s the good news—you don’t have to do it alone. God’s Spirit helps us. He’s the One who reminds us, strengthens us, and equips us for this new wardrobe.

So tomorrow morning, when you stand in front of your closet, let it remind you: I get to choose what I put on today spiritually, too.

Your Turn

I don’t want this just to be another post you read and scroll past. I want it to lead to action. So here are some ways to start:

1. Pick one piece – Which part of the wardrobe stands out to you most right now? Compassion? Forgiveness? Gratitude? Write it down and commit to intentionally wearing it today.
2. Forgive someone – If you’re holding onto unforgiveness, make the choice today to let it go. It won’t be easy, but it will free you.
3. Practice gratitude – Write down three things you’re thankful for tonight before you go to bed. See how it shifts your outlook.
4. Pray before your day – Before you step into the world, pause and pray: “Lord, clothe me in You today. Let me reflect You in everything I do.”

Because at the end of the day, the question remains:

Who do you choose to reflect today—the world, or Christ?