Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. … And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
- from Colossians 3:12-14

The new life we have in Christ is a gift. We are chosen and wanted by God despite all of our mistakes and misdeeds. We are considered holy. We are loved by a good, good Father. What a gift!

But this life is also a labor. We don’t become Christians through our good work, but there is good work to do. Soul work. The work of transformation. We participate with Christ in his work to remake us in his image and likeness. This new life requires us to clothe ourselves in new virtues.

Perhaps what we’re saying is this: no streaking!

We have been freed from the rags and the chains that humiliated us in our past. We’ve been washed clean by Jesus. But we’re not done. He doesn’t want us to walk around “nekkid as jaybirds.” He has beautiful raiment for each of us to wear.

Notice that the list of virtues starts on a relational and communal note, a note that resonates throughout Paul’s entire list. These virtues make it possible for us to experience meaningful and trust-filled community with each other.

In a way, these virtues function like clothing. They make it possible for us to be present and un-self-conscious, to feel safe and secure, to feel wanted for who we are and not just for our bodies … for what we can do. Wrapped in these virtues, followers of Jesus can truly connect with each other.

Which of these virtues do you feel like you’ve most thoroughly put on? Which of these virtues would you like to experience more of in your life?