Put on mercy

Read

¹² 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.

Reflect

Paul describes compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering as clothing to put on. The reason for forgiving is Christ's own forgiveness: 'even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.' Love binds it together, and God's peace is to rule.

Pray

Lord Jesus, you have forgiven me. Clothe me with patience and kindness, and let your peace rule where I am tempted to keep score. Amen.