Spiritual Clothing. Unity - Compassion - Kindness - Gentleness - Humility - Patience - Forgiveness - Love

Colossians 3:12-14: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly love, clothed yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and fogive whatever greivances 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. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. With all wedding items in place, as traditon says, we were destined for a wonderful marriage and new life. The apostle Paul's letter to the church at Colassae underscores that in his new life in Christ, believers are starting anew - the old life is dead. Believers could toss out the old clothing; God laid out a new wardrobe for their brand-new life in Christ. Likewise, when we unite in holy matrimony we leave our old lives behind and start a brand-new life with a new wardrobe as a married couple-united together in Christ. He gives us ingredients not only for a successful walk in life, but also ingredients for our hearts and actions for a successful walk down the aisle and throughout the journey called marriage. Spiritual Clothing: Compassion (loving-kindness, mercy) Psalm 111:4 - "He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate" Matthew 15:32 - "Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people" Kindness (goodness, loyalty) Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Proverbs 31:26 - "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindeness" Gentleness Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" Ephesians 4:2 - "Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love" Humility Proverbs 15:33 - The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor" Proverbs 22:4 - "umility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor of life" Matthew 11:29 - (Jesus spoke) "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" Matthew 23:12 - "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" Patience Ecclesiastes 7:8 - "The end of the matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride" Colossians 1:11 - "Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience" Forgiveness Psalm 86:5-6: You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy" Matthew 6:12 - "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgive our debtors" Matthew 6:14 - "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" Love Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirs up dissension, but love carries all wrong John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" Ephesians 5:1-2: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" Colossians 3:19 - "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them" Titus 2:4 - "Then they (older women) can train the younger women to love their husbands and children" Unity Psalm 86:11 - "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name" Ephesians 4:3 - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit, through the bond of peace Philippians 2:1-5: "If you have any encouragment from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirti, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love being one in Spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" Georgia Ling Curtis and Larry Richards, Ph D are the authors of "What's in the Bible for Women." Georgia Curtis is a best-selling author. She graduated from Kentucky Christian University with a major in Bible in 1979. Dr. Larry Richards was converted in the Navy in the 1950's. He has taught and written Sunday school curriculum for every age group. He has published more than two hundred books, and his books have been translated into some twenty-six languages.