2. Put on Christlike Character

Colossians 3:12
put on compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience.

- Forgiveness is releasing the person to God for the hurt they have caused you.

- Forgiveness is giving others what God has already given me.

- Forgiveness is not the same as trust.

- Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same.

- Forgiveness often needs to happen more than once.

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:

1. Read Colossians 3:5. Last week, we talked about taking off the old/purging sinful patterns. Were you able to purge anything this week? If so, what was it? Share about the experience.
2. Would you say you spend a little, a lot, or an average amount on clothes?
3. How are clothing styles and trends woven into our culture? Why is clothing an almost trillion-dollar industry?
4. Have you ever considered that you have a spiritual wardrobe to put on every day? What does it mean to be clothed in Christ?
5. Read Colossians 3:12a. What does it mean to be God’s chosen ones? What does it mean to be “holy”?
6. Describe ways in which you experience that you are dearly loved by God.
7. Is identity important in our culture? How is identity displayed? How are other ways to identify different that our true identity in Christ?
8. Read Colossians 3:12b. Describe and discuss each Christ-like virtues that we are supposed to “put on” each day – compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience. Look up definitions and also ways these virtues can be displayed.
9. Why are we called to put these virtues on? What purpose do they serve?
10. Read Colossians 3:13. What does it mean to bear with one another? What are we bearing?
11. Is it easy or difficult to bear with one another? Why?
12. What is a grievance? Look up a definition of the word. Describe a time when you were able to forgive someone after being wronged. How did the Lord’s forgiveness to you help you forgive another?
13. Read Ephesians 4:32. How is this passage similar to Colossians 3:13? How is it different?
14. Define forgiveness. How is forgiveness giving to another what God has already given to you?
15. Describe a time when someone has forgiven you for an offense you’ve caused. What was your response? What was the outcome?
16. What is forgiveness not the same as? How is forgiveness a lifestyle, not just a one-time decision?
17. Read Colossians 3:14. Why is putting love “above all,” and why is it the “perfect bond of unity”?
18. Why do we have to keep putting on love over and over again?
19. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1. How does love reveal the heart of God?
20. Read Colossians 3:15. How can peace rule our hearts? How do we experience the peace of Christ?
21. Read Colossians 3:16. How should the Word dwell richly among us? How is the Bible meant for our transformation, not just information?
22. Describe a time when you’ve expressed gratitude and praise to God. Why did you feel led to do so?
23. Read Colossians 3:17. What are we to do in the name of the Lord Jesus? Describe what that looks like in your life.
24. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. How can you bring glory to God today?

Reading Plan
Monday: Colossians 3:4
Tuesday: Colossians 3:12-3:13, Ephesians 4:32
Wednesday: Colossians 3:14
Thursday: Colossians 3:15, 1 Corinthians 13:1
Friday: Colossians 3:16-17
Saturday: 1 Corinthians 10:31