Daily Reflection: Colossians 3

Colossians 3 contains straightforward and direct instructions for holy living, set in the context of a profound insight: that because we're united with Christ, we have become completely new people (verse 10). How we are on the outside needs to match who we are on the inside. It's this call to consistency that lies behind Paul's command in verse 12 to 'clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience'.

What we wear is surprisingly significant. Many people still wear uniforms in connection with their profession. Some might need to wear protective clothing, or be expected to dress in a particular way at work. If we arrive at an event inappropriately dressed we might feel awkward and out of place. Dressing well can give us confidence.

So when Paul tells us to 'clothe ourselves' with these virtues, expanding on them in the verses that follows, he might be saying something like: 'Let your outward appearance match what's inside you. Be appropriately dressed for your situation. You'll be at ease with yourself, confident and safe.'

It's also true that dress presents an outward face to the world. We don't care much what we wear at home, as long as it's comfortable. When we go out, it's different. For Paul, our new life has implications for how we treat other people (verse 13). It affects all our relationships, from family to employment. 'Clothing ourselves' appropriately is about how we relate to others, not just how we feel in ourselves.

Pray

God, help me to be on the outside what you have made me on the inside – a new person, redeemed and made new through the Lord Jesus Christ.

This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

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