And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:14)
Every fall, people’s favorite colors come out. I’m not thinking about the leaves changing on the trees. I’m thinking about football season and how it affects people’s wardrobes. Every fall, people’s favorite colors come out. Some places, it’s burnt orange. Other places, it’s green and gold. Some places, it’s maroon. Other places, it’s blue or purple or red. People are proud to wear the colors of their favorite team.
And you notice something: Whatever the color of that favorite team is, it goes with everything. Do you know what I mean? During football season, whatever the color of your favorite team is, it goes with everything. Blue nursing scrubs and a burnt orange jersey? Perfectly acceptable. Green work shirt with a maroon jersey over the top? Works just fine. During football season, whatever the color of your favorite team is, it goes with everything else you might wear.
Just like God’s love. It goes with everything. Paul talks about Christian love like an article of clothing that you can put on over everything else: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14). If Christ-like attitudes are like clothes, then love is the color of clothing that goes with everything. Practicing patience today? Put on some love to go with it. Humbly but boldly confronting someone’s sin? Do so in love. Sharing or defending your faith with that skeptical coworker? Throw some love on top. Addressing conflict at work or at home? Adding love to the conversation will go a long way. Like your favorite football team’s colors, love goes with everything.
So what are you putting on over everything else today? The sad reality is that there are sinful attitudes that can seem to go with everything too. Anger finds a way to rage at any moment. Lust is a constant companion. Discontentment darkens everything. Filthy language is happy to come out anytime. Each of us puts on something over everything else. Each of us covers our lives with one attitude or another.
Remember who you are. You are “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved” (Colossians 3:12). Jesus loves you! Isn’t that the best? Better any football team. Better than the leaves on any fall tree. Since you are holy and dearly loved, remember that love goes with everything.
Dear Jesus, your love goes with everything. Each day, remind me of how much you love me, and empower me to put on your love over every other attitude of my heart. Amen.
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