Putting on Compassion

Compassion is not something that comes naturally to your sinful human nature; it is something you must put on. Paul teaches in Colossians 3:12 ESV, “Put on then as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” It helps to think of putting on these godly characteristics like you would put on a jacket. You aren’t born with it, but you can wear it like you would a warm jacket in the cold weather.

Before you can “put on… compassionate hearts,” you must take off, or “put to death therefore what is earthly in [you]…anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk” (Colossians 3:5-8 ESV). You cannot walk in true, selfless compassion if you are not yet willing to turn away from the sins that drive you away from carrying that compassion. The Lord doesn’t want you to try to put compassion on top of your sinful nature, similar to how you shouldn’t wear two jackets at once. Rather, He desires true transformation in you, where you exchange your “jacket” of sinful tendencies for his “jacket” of righteousness and compassion.

He has not only given you the action steps you need in Colossians 3 to forgive and love your neighbors, but He has also given you the Holy Spirit to carry these steps out. When you connect with God through Compassion, it becomes easy to love His people. As you encounter and behold Him, you become more like Him and better represent Him to others.

Prayer

Father, thank You for demonstrating what it looks like to always wear compassion. I repent of all my sinful tendencies. I take them off. Holy Spirit, give me Your godly clothes that I may wear them. Show me and help me to discern when I am wearing the jacket of compassion and when I have taken it off. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Application

Which of the sinful traits in Colossians 3 is the hardest for you to put to death?

Which of the godly traits in Colossians 3 is the most difficult for you to put on?

Ask the Holy Spirit for His help.