In his letter to the Colossians, Paul talks about our spiritual clothing in Christ. In my last post I talked about some of these. I looked at compassion, kindness, and humility. In today’s post, I’ll continue this teaching.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
I’ll start where I left off in my last post.
Gentleness. This is a word that’s translated as meekness in other parts of Scripture. We don’t like using this word, because many people associate meekness with weakness.
However, nothing can be further from the truth. If you look up meekness in the Scripture, you find that just the opposite is true. A good example of this is found in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church.
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
1 Corinthians 4:21 NIV
Paul had the authority, boldness, and strength to “clean house” in the church at Corinth. But that’s not what he desired to do. He wanted to follow the Holy Spirit in showing them love and forgiveness.
That brings me to a good working definition of meekness. In reality, true meekness is my strength under God’s control.
Too often, older Christians want to prove their authority by trying to control and manipulate others to “fall in line”. That’s not how Christ operates.
We need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our treatment of others. The walk of love is more powerful than intimidation.
Patience. Here’s another word that we get a wrong idea about. Contrary to public opinion, patience is not merely the ability to stand in a long line without getting irritated.
As with all of these characteristics, patience deals with how we treat others. The Greek word means long passioned. In other words, your anger doesn’t flare up as quickly as those without Christ.
The Apostle Peter wrote about this as well. He used this word in reference to the Lord concerning the coming judgment of the earth.
Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.
2 Peter 3:15 NIV
God could very easily call an end to all the chaos on earth. Christ could return and rain judgment down upon all the wicked. Instead, through His patience, more and more people are being saved by the knowledge of the cross.
If that’s how God operates, can we do any less. Too often I hear believers say something like, “They deserve to burn in hell. I can’t wait to see them judged.”
Please hear me. That statement is the most unchristian thing to say. The truth is that all of us – me included – deserve to burn in hell. But Christ, in His love, patience, and grace, allowed me the time to turn to Him in repentance.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 NIV
This is the essence of true patience.
Question: How well do you see gentleness and patience in your life?
© 2024 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 