Winter Gear
What to wear out in the cold world

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14

We recently returned to an old familiar passage to remind us how we are to dress this winter. All of us, some maybe more than others, forget a “piece of clothing” here and there. Dropping off what we don’t want to wear, leaving it where it lay, walking over it, passing over it, but never giving it a second thought. In Christ, we are not given the choice as to what to “wear” nor are we to take what He wants us to wear off.

First Garment Compassion: Gloves Eph. 4:32

Compassion comes in many different forms. Many times our compassion leads us to acts of kindness and service and it should whenever possible. However, not always can we “do” something for someone. Especially if they are a victim of their own sin, but we can still have compassion. Compassion is born in the heart with a love for others. I chose the gloves because of the hands that can PRAY for those people. If there is nothing else, you can do, pray for them! Do not underestimate the power of prayer.

CLOTHE YOURSELF IN “GLOVES” OF PRAYER!

Second Garment Kindness: Boots 1 Thess. 5:15

Kindness is often a “tangible act.” Or it can be a word of kindness, kindness expressed only by our words. But often it is by a meal, a gift, a service, etc. So I chose boots for this “winter gear.” For you have to have good heavy boots to walk a life time of kindness to others!

CLOTHE YOURSELF IN “BOOTS” TO WALK IN KINDNESS!

Third Garment Humility: Socks Phil. 2:3

Humility is an attribute of Christ that is hard to wrap our minds & hearts around. When we look at Christ, He is the perfect picture of humility from His birth through His life, to His death. Socks came instantly to my mind in that it covers the most “offensive” part of our body (stinky and dirty). I was reminded of one of the most humbling acts of service Jesus did in His ministry was to wash His disciples feet! That was an awesome example of humility. He humbled Himself on His knees and cleaned the dirtiest part of the disciples. We need to do likewise. Not just washing of the feet, but humble yourself to your friends, your children, your husband, your neighbors, the lost. Put others first and yourself last in acts of service, conversations, and your heart.

CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH “SOCKS” OF HUMILITY!

Fourth Garment Gentleness: Pants/dress Phil. 4:5

Gentleness is often a hard one to recognize the “lack of” and often hard to change. God has to do this work in you! I thought of the pants or dress that covers the legs because it reminds me of the part that rushes through, not taking the time to SIT and listen to others, or Sit & take the time to speak kindly, admonish & correct others gently, and to gently discipline our children! Ask God to show you & change you & He will!

SLOW DOWN & CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH PANTS/DRESS OF GENTLESNESS!

Fifth Garment Patience: Scarf Col. 1:11

Have you ever crocheted a scarf? I did that very thing when I first learned to crochet. As a matter of fact, I got so excited I bought enough yarn to make everyone in the family one. Such zeal for my new learned art. However, I did not bargain on how loooooooong it would take to crochet the length of a good, heavy, long wrap around scarf! This was a good lesson for me in patience!! As well, this is how we are to be with others. Patient and long suffering with the lost, with babe Christians, with our spouses mistakes, our kids mess-ups, our neighbors, the person in line in front of you who needs a price check!! Patience is another of the attributes that “autographs” us as genuine Christians!

CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH A SCARF OF PATIENCE SO YOU CAN KEEP A WARM YOUR THOUGHTS!

Sixth Garment Forgiveness: Long Sleeve Shirt Prov. 4:23

If you are going outdoors, you definitely need a warm think long sleeve. Flannels, wool, & corduroys are good for this. Why the shirt for forgiveness? I thought of Jesus on the cross, His hands stretched out, nailed to the cross, representing the ultimate forgiveness. Our Scripture text tells us to bear with one another and to forgive as Christ forgave. It is not a “Choice piece of clothing” but a command. And yes, this is for our own good!

CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH LONG SLEEVES AS YOU STRETCH OUT YOUR ARMS IN FORGIVENESS.

Seventh Garment Love: Coat 1john 3:10-11

I find it interesting that the end of this thought is that LOVE binds all this together. Thus the coat that covers most all the body and has the most warmth, is the coat! Even the above things mean nothing without love! (1 Cor. 13:1-3) To me, love means laying aside all my desires for someone else. Sounds kinda like Jesus when He died for you and me. Not that I am at all even a fraction close to understanding that and obeying like I would like. But I am realizing more and more, it is not about what I do but how I love!

CLOTH YOURSELF IN THE COAT OF LOVE, SO THAT YOU CAN SHARE IT”S WARMTH WITH ALL YOU MEET!

Whatever the reason for discarding the “clothing piece” whether it be itchy, too tight, too loose, not the right color, wanting change etc.

DON”T TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES

OR YOU WILL GET COLD!