"Desired Character Traits"
By Zach Wood
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
 
 

Think about these character traits: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  How often do you find yourself successfully practicing them?  I know that I fall pretty short on each one of them.  I am sure many of you feel the same way many times.

 

As we look to the Cross where Jesus Christ gave His life, it is easy for us to see the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience He had.  It’s truly astounding to think He went through all that pain and agony, yet still showed these traits perfectly. 

 

We see these traits in Jesus Christ, but when He looks into our hearts, does He see the same in us?  Are we compassionate toward others?  Do we always show kindness when someone is in need?  Are we humble?  Are we gentle and loving in our conversations?  Are we patient with those around us when everyone else is impatient? 

  

In this passage, Paul speaks so strongly about how we are to live holy lives that are pleasing to God.  Jesus Christ is our perfect example of how to live life.  We know this, but are we truly living the life He has called us to live?     

 

Are we clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience each day?  When we have our hearts and minds focused on earthly things, we cannott practice these traits.  However, when we are focused on Christ, He gives us the strength to have these traits.