Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Colossians 3:12-16 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Paul offers us clear instructions in Colossians 3:8 and 3:12, not just about avoiding sin but about actively pursuing a life that reflects Christ. It’s similar to coming home from a day’s labor in the yard, covered in dirt. We must take off our dirty clothes and put on clean ones before we can sit down to dinner. This physical act of changing clothes serves as a perfect picture of a necessary spiritual transformation.
What to Put Off
Paul is straightforward about the dirty garments we must shed:
Anger:
This isn’t just about feeling upset. It’s about a lingering fury that damages relationships.
Wrath:
This is an intense, explosive outburst that can lead to actions we later regret.
Malice:
Wishing or doing harm to others reflects a heart in need of cleansing.
Blasphemy:
Speaking evil of God’s name or carrying the name of Christ in a dishonorable way.
Filthy communication:
Any talk that brings others down, spreads negativity, or is vulgar.
These behaviors are like mud on our clothes. They make us uncomfortable and prevent us from experiencing the full joy of our spiritual lives.
What to Put On
After taking off the old, it’s crucial to put on the new, which includes:
• Compassion: Showing genuine concern and empathy for the struggles of others. This reflects the merciful nature of God.
• Kindness: Simple acts of goodness can brighten days and change hearts, building a community of care and support.
• Humility: Considering others as important as yourself, recognizing that all have value in God’s eyes.
• Gentleness: A soft approach can often carry strong messages, showing strength under control.
• Patience: Bearing with others even when it’s hard, showing the same grace we’ve received from God.
• Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and grievances, just as Christ forgave us, to foster reconciliation and peace.
• Love: Above all, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony, demonstrating the deepest form of godly living.
• Peace: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, bringing unity within your heart, home and church of believers.
• Thankfulness: Being grateful for all things, which nurtures a positive outlook and honors God.
• Wisdom: Letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly, which guides us in teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom.
• Praise: Engaging in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, which brings honor to God and joy to our hearts.
These virtues are the clean, fresh garments we are called to wear. They not only protect us from the spiritual cold but also beautify us, making us pleasing in the sight of God and a light to those around us.
This list mirrors the virtues highlighted in Colossians 3:12-16, ensuring that the transformation from the old self to the new self is thorough and aligned with biblical teachings.
The Law of Replacement
The principle of the “Law of Replacement” suggests that to effectively remove a negative behavior, it must be replaced with a positive one.
It’s not enough to simply try to stop doing wrong; we must actively start doing what is right. This ensures that the space left by the negative behavior isn’t merely vacant but is filled with something beneficial, reducing the chance of the old behaviors returning.
Just as you wouldn’t merely take off dirty clothes and leave yourself exposed to the elements, you shouldn’t strip away negative behaviors without cloaking yourself in godly virtues. This proactive replacement is the key to a transformed life in Christ.
In conclusion, spiritual renewal is like changing our clothes at the end of a long, dirty day. We must remove the soiled, stained behaviors and replace them with clean, righteous ones that reflect the beauty of our Lord. This continuous process of renewal helps us grow closer to God and more effective in our witness to the world.
