Yesterday we looked at the list of things God wants us to put off. Thankfully, the list is followed by what we’re supposed to put on:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with

• compassion,
• kindness,
• humility,
• gentleness and
• patience.
• Bear with each other and
• forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
• And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
• Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
• And be thankful.
• Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you
  • teach and
  • admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit,
  • singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
• And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3.12 – 17, NIV, bulleted for clarity)

I usually use this text for a short homily when I perform a wedding. I look at the bride and groom in their finery, and I say something like:

You guys clean up really well! But soon you will take off the wedding clothes and put on regular clothes and go about normal day-to-day living. On one of those days, Joe will do a “husband error.” Mary, that’s when you’ll need to exercise forgiveness, peace, and love. On another day, Mary won’t be smiling, and she won’t feel as deeply in love as she does now. She’ll be down or out-of-sorts for some reason. On those days, Joe, you’ll need to put on compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience.

It’s good, practical counsel. It’s a good way to live. It’s not blasting back at people on social media, for example. It’s appreciating those who showed up for work to serve us today. It’s a way Christ-followers can stand out.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5.13 – 16, ESV)