How do we put on love?

Before we put on anything, we must “put off” something—the old. Because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and his Resurrection, we are also able to put to death our flesh and become a new creation, in Him. Our whole lives can be a process of going from the old to the new, from glory-to-glory, ever in the process of becoming more and more like him. You may feel comfortable in your life simply “checking the boxes” of Christianity; but I urge you to assess your heart. Do you have more compassion, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, humility, kindness, and love towards yourself and others then you ever have before? Transformation only comes when we put off the old, and put on the new. This looks different for all of us, but don’t let the idea that you’re a “good person” or that you “make the right choices” keep you from going deeper into this transformational work. God will always show up and show off in our lives when we let him. Take the time to ask the Holy Spirit what you need to die to in your life, or in other words, what you need to “put off.” Are you willing to die to the old, and step into the new with your Heavenly Father?

The word “put” is a verb that actually means move to or place in a particular position, or to bring into a particular state or condition.  The word “put'' requires an action to take place or movement. You must choose to “put off” the old and then put on the new.  Putting off the old is the hard part because this is where the fight takes place. It is the place where you must destroy and lay to waste what is hindering you from walking in your true identity. I wish I could say it was easy, but I can’t. It takes determination, focus, grit, and most importantly understanding the power of your voice paired with God’s word.  We are holy, chosen, and His beloved. Let’s stop making excuses like, “I’m only human,” “That’s just my personality,” “It’s how I was born,” or “I act just like my mom/dad,” etc. Let your Creator transform you from the inside out. Let go of who you think you are—let him help you become who he meant you to be! 

Colossians 3:5 “PUT to death therefore what is earthly in you:] sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.] In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must PUT them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have PUT off the old self] with its practices  and have PUT on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” 

Colossians 3:12 ‘PUT on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” 

So how do we put off the old, and put on the new?

First, ask the Holy Spirit what old things in your life you need to “put off,” or die to. Then, develop a practical plan for how you will actively choose something different. For example, maybe there are places or people you should avoid, new routines to incorporate, or key Scriptures to memorize and speak out loud to yourself when the “old” tries to creep back into your life.

Surrender the “old” things to Jesus, and lay them at his feet each day as you pray and spend time in worship.

Because his word says you are chosen, holy, and beloved, “put on” these seven virtues from Colossians 3 by declaring - out loud - who the Bible says you are. You may want to start with one, and focus your attention there - or jump in to all seven. 

Learning to “put off” the old and “put on” the new is a process, and will not happen overnight. Remember, your Father sees you - he knows your heart!! And He is the one who will take you from glory-to-glory. There is also power in your choices—choose HIM.  Lean into him and watch what happens. He will not fail you!