“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” – Colossians 12-13 (NASB)
So, in view of what God has done through Jesus Christ for the faith believer, Paul is describing the behavior and attitude God expects from us in response. Seven characteristics and habits are listed in our verses. We can add twelve more through verse 17. Paul identifies us as “chosen of God.” This specifies true Christians as those who have been chosen by God. No person is converted solely by their own choice or works, but only in response to God’s effectual, free, uninfluenced, and sovereign grace. “Beloved.” Election means believers are the objects of God’s incomprehensible special love. Some of the characteristics we are to adopt and practice are stated by Paul as “putting on.” heart of compassion – the seat of the emotions; kindness – a goodness that pervades the entire person softening all harsh aspects; humility – is the perfect antidote to the self-love that poisons human relationships; gentleness – sometimes translated “meekness,” it is the willingness to suffer injury or insult rather than to inflict such hurts; patience – is also translated “longsuffering,” or “forbearance” the opposite of quick anger. This a process of renewal promised by God and made ours ours by His grace.
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Esengo Mingi 