Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14 NLT)
Do you have a brand that you like to wear? When I was playing a lot of competitive golf, I had only a couple of brands of shirts, shorts, and pants that I liked to wear.
It was not about the logo for me but more about the fit and the performance of the fabrics. I also had a brand of shoes that I really liked because they fit my feet just right and were comfortable and supportive.
Maybe you are less concerned about the brand but always buy your golf apparel from your home club because you want that logo on your shirt and hat.
Regardless, you get where I am going. Most of us have our preferences for how we clothe ourselves. For some of us, it is more about style, some it is brand affiliation, and others it is about performance and fit; nonetheless, we are conscientious about what we wear.
The Apostle Paul wrote about what we, as followers of Jesus, put on to “God’s holy people in the city of Colossae.” He wrote, “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 must you do also” (Colossians 3:12-13, NASB).
There were no clothing brands back in the First Century, but people groups were known for different things. It was important to Paul that those who identified as Christ’s followers be set apart from the cultural norms. We should be known for what we stand for, which should be for others out of love.
We just came out of a very divisive election, and many are happy with the results, while many are not. As Jesus’ followers, we can be uniters rather than dividers. As we see in today’s verse, we can unite one another through love.
However, this is not an option. We must put our political brand of choice aside and seek unity through the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces. These fruits break down barriers now, just as they did in the First Century.
There is no explanation for how what is often referred to as “Christianity” spread like wildfire despite being persecuted by many of the political systems of the time.
It was so attractive because they were known for their heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and other qualities that we all are attracted to.
I encourage you to go into 2025, where you will likely interact with people paying attention to what you are wearing and the “brand” you represent, to be intentional about clothing yourself in righteousness. Put on the things of heaven that identify you with Christ and attract others to the one you follow.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, we invite you into our lives and to clothe us in love and compassion for others so that the work of Jesus may be known.