12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…
Dear Jesus, because the gospel is true, this is my truest, most life-defining, heart-encouraging, life-transforming identity: I’m chosen, wanted, and enjoyed by Abba Father; holy (set apart for his perfect purposes); and dearly loved (not merely loved, but dearly loved). All of this is true because of what you’ve done for me. I praise, bless, and adore you.
… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Therefore, as I think about my relationships, I reach into the closet of the gospel and reach for “garments of grace.” Jesus, grant me your compassion and kindness, for hurting, lonely, and broken people. You haven’t commissioned me to fix anyone. Help me to stay present longer and listen deeper.
Grant me your humility and gentleness, lest I default to my critical and rigid ways. I repent of quick and harsh reactions. Increase my patience for difficult people and inconvenient circumstances, Jesus.
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Jesus, this is so convicting… indeed, supersize and gentle my forbearance (so I don’t just “put up with” people), and free me to forgive grievances (big and little ones). May your comprehensive and complete forgiveness of me, define and empower my forgiving of others. Help me Jesus, because I have some leftover and complex forgiving to do.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Because you cannot love me more, and you’ll never love me less, please flood my heart with love for others. By the power of the Holy Spirit, love in me and through me to your glory, Jesus, all this day long. So very Amen I pray, in your merciful and mighty name.
