October 13-19, 2024
This month we will focus on Colossians 3:12. I’m reading Kelly Minter’s book called Fitting Room. The entire book is about this one verse. She reminds us in the first chapter that the virtues from this verse are God given. We don’t have to work to attain them. We get them as a result of being a child of God. The verse from 3:12 reads: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Over the next 5 weeks, we will focus on this one verse - drawing from cross references in the Bible to confirm themes, definitions, and applications. I already had a chance to experience the passage through a situation last Sunday. I was sitting in church talking to a woman when a mom and child approached to interrupt. The mom explained that her child just needed a quick hug from me as she saw me across the room and was relentlessly asking her mom if she could have a quick visit with me. I was delighted. When I stood up, the little girl said, “No mommy, not her, HER!,” as she pointed to the woman across from me. I sat back down feeling a bit dejected. God had a redemption plan. He wanted to show me how CHOSEN I really am. Afterwards, I realized how much I could trust Him in choosing me. Just a few moments apart from the little girl exclaiming that she didn't want me at all, a friend’s child came over, wrapped her arms about my neck from behind, and said, “Good morning, Ms. Michele!!!” I cannot tell you how loved that hug made me feel in that moment. I think I would have taken it for granted if I had not been “unchosen” a moment before. God chooses us again, and again, and again. If you have not yet studied these virtues from Colossians 3, you are in for an enlightening experience. Join us for the journey.
This week's Bible reading: Colossians 3:12
Focus Themes: Clothing yourself in compassion
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: Thank God for pouring His compassion on you in salvation. If you haven’t received His salvation, Jesus was the most compassionate gift from the Father in Heaven. He sent His one and only Son for you, for forgiveness, and for eternal life. Our only act is to confess with our mouth and believe in our hearts in the name of Jesus and we shall be saved. Praise God it’s so easy!
Day 2: Read about the Lord’s compassion in the verse from Psalm 145:8-9. “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: And his tender mercies are over all his works.” How can you practice the compassion defined by the Lord this week?
Day 3: How can you practice being slow to anger? Confess to God the ways you’ve been quick to anger.
Day 4: How can you practice abounding in faithful love and mercy? What does that look like?
Day 5: What does compassion mean in God’s economy? Say a prayer asking God to show you an example of this for your own understanding.
Challenge: Find someone in need and share an act of compassion with them. Could be financial, time specific, or just sitting in someone’s presence who needs company. Listening is one of the most meaningful acts of compassion.
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.