Listen

Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

Think

What is your morning routine? Today’s passage reads like a daily morning routine — before you leave the house, make sure you put on these things so that you are ready to be light and love. Consider a rephrasing of Paul’s encouragement:

Ditch the apathy and complicity, put on compassion instead.

Leave behind the rudeness, and choose kindness.

Act with humility, not entitlement.

Forgo the aggressive behavior, and try gentleness.

Patience will teach you more than a hurried spirit, and tolerance brings greater lessons, too.

Holding a grudge only holds you back, so practice forgiveness.

And if you have to choose anything, if you are so rushed for the day and can only remember one principle: put on love. Don’t leave without it. For our hurting world needs a lot of it. So above all else, grab a dose of God’s love as you go out into the world. And may that Love surprise you along the way.

Aram Feinberg

Question to Ponder:

How can I adjust my morning routine so that I am centered before I leave the house?

Pray

God of Abiding Love, help me to start the day right with you.

Encourage me in my daily habits to put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and love.

May I do this trusting that your Spirit is at work within me and around me.

Amen.

Go

May God the Creator bless you and keep you safe today.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious towards you.

May the Spirit of Love lead you along the path of wisdom and truth.

And all of God’s people say — Amen.