‘Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ‘ Colossians 3:10-12(NLT)
This scripture contains very active commands: It calls us to “put on love,” and to “clothe” ourselves in the character of Christ. For all who have trusted Christ for salvation, He gives His spirit, who works inside of us to make us more like Christ. The character qualities listed in this passage are all things God desires to grow in us, but in order to see that growth, we also must desire this! Ask God to align your heart with His and to grow you to be more like Him today.
Prayer
God, your character is holy and blameless; full of mercy and love. Today, will you make me more like you, and fill me with the fruits of your Spirit? I pray you will help me to be humble enough to ask for your help. Help me to see how to “put on the new nature,” and be tenderhearted, merciful, kind, humble, gentle and patient in my marriage. Amen.
from Reconnect: Refresh Your Marriage