When writing the letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul was used by the Lord to address important issues that are often overlooked by many Christians. Jesus taught us to observe the Word so that we may walk in His presence and be perfect. To walk before the Lord is to carry the fear of Him wherever we go. In this way, we will always act according to His will!

The virtues of the Lord are provided to us so that we may clothe ourselves with them, just as we put on the clothes we wear. In winter, for example, if we are not dressed appropriately, we may become ill or, depending on the temperature, have parts of our body freeze, risking amputation. In the same way, if we do not clothe ourselves daily with the attributes of God, we will sin!

We must be deeply compassionate, yet at times we look with partiality upon those who need defenders, someone to intercede and move the heart and hands of the Most High. It is not enough to have a feeling of compassion or to send condolences to family members if one of them has died in sin. This is serious! A Christian who is truly clothed with deep mercies can change any life!

Kindness must be common in the lives of the merciful; otherwise, they will imitate the lost, who only lament. To be kind to someone is to intercede and believe that that person will change, even if they are exploding with anger toward their helper. A kind person has good character and does not hide or refuse to intercede for those who are in sin. He is generous, kind, and benevolent!

I like to translate kindness as kind hope or hope-filled kindness. The worst kind of person is the one who only cries out for the good, but forgets those who stray from the Lord. This attitude is similar to that of a doctor who only wants to read the test results, but does not seek the best treatment for those with the worst diagnoses. Doctors are trained to save lives, not just to receive payment for a consultation. Meditate and act!

Christians must be humble at all times, especially to avoid the “honors” given to them and to credit God for the good that is done. The Word says: I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images. (Isaiah 42:8). Woe to those who do not recognize that all good things come from God, the Father of lights (James 1:17). How awesome He is!

We still have two more garments to wear in this world that is so hot that it makes people disrespect the lives of others, and so cold at the same time that it makes the evil servant freeze and not help his neighbor. Meekness is necessary at all times, as well as longsuffering—the ability to face the problems of others with courage!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares