What Does Colossians 3:12 Teach About Christlike Character?

How do we become more like Jesus in our everyday lives? Today we explore Colossians 3:12 and discover what it means to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Rather than trying to change through willpower alone, God invites us to allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts so our character reflects Christ.

Growing in Christlike character is a daily choice. As we intentionally practice compassion, humility, patience, kindness, and gentleness, these virtues become more than actions—they become part of who we are. This devotional reminds us that spiritual maturity isn't about perfection, but about consistently choosing to respond as Jesus would and trusting God to transform us from the inside out.

Highlights:

Discover what Colossians 3:12 teaches about living with Christlike character.
Learn how compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience reflect the heart of Jesus.
Understand why spiritual growth requires intentional daily choices empowered by the Holy Spirit.
See how practicing Christlike virtues transforms both your heart and your relationships.
Be encouraged to rely on God's strength instead of your own as you grow in faith.
Find practical ways to demonstrate Christ's love through your everyday interactions.

Join the Conversation

Which Christlike virtue—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience—is God inviting you to grow in today? How have you seen the Holy Spirit transform your character over time? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.

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Full Transcript Below:

Clothe Yourself with Christlike Traits
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” - Colossians 3:12

One Sunday, I got dressed to go to church. I pulled out top after top, trying everything on, but nothing fit. With a pile of clothes and empty hangers on my bed, I became frustrated. Finally, I pulled out a top that was one size too large, a size I had worn when I was several pounds heavier. I put it on—it was a perfect fit!

For months, I had breezed by that larger top as I shopped in my closet for the perfect outfit. I didn't want to admit that perhaps I needed a bigger size. However, once I was able to accept that maybe my body wasn't what it once was years ago, and put on the larger top, my frustration subsided.

After that day, I made peace with the fact that I needed a larger size in clothes. I got rid of all my clothes that were a size smaller and purchased larger tops. Once I accepted my reality, wearing the larger top wasn't a big deal. In fact, I felt comfortable in it.

With clothes, it's not always about the look that's the most important. It is most important about how I feel when I’m in those clothes. While I may have needed a larger top to fit my slightly heavier frame, I became so comfortable wearing a larger top that it wasn't even a problem after a few weeks.

The above verse tells us that we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are all the attributes of Christ and a manifestation of the Spirit in our lives. Just like regular clothes that we put on each day, it's not always about how they look, but rather how I feel when I'm in them.

Even in situations where it’s difficult to demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience, the more that I choose to exude those things in my life, the more comfortable I'll become with them. The more I act in accordance with those virtues, the more they will become like a part of me. Soon, I won't have to force myself to act within these virtues; it will become a natural part of me.

Jesus didn't have to force himself to act out these virtues. It was an embodiment of who he truly was. His character exuded traits of humility, compassion, and kindness, among other things. Jesus desires for us to exude the same virtues in our lives as he did with his.

But this takes intention and action. I must act with intention when it comes to putting on these virtues. If I want to clothe myself with these things, I must make them feel as if they are a natural part of me. I must exude them and allow them to become part of my nature. When I'm able to do this, they will become such a part of me that I won't even think twice about using these character traits in my life.

Out of the virtues listed above, which one do you find most difficult to demonstrate? If the most difficult virtue for us is humility, find ways in which to humble ourselves. It may be as simple as allowing someone else to go ahead of us, even when they have many more items to check out at the supermarket.

It may mean controlling ourselves when someone cuts us off in traffic. It may mean being kind to someone who doesn't deserve our kindness. Whatever action it may be, ask the Holy Spirit to show us what action and to whom we must demonstrate it.

The more we act out of our comfort zones, the more these virtues will become a natural part of our lives. Soon, they will become such a part of us that we won't think twice about exuding these character traits in life. Not only is this the true demonstration of Christ's likeness in our lives, but it may also draw others to Christ because of our actions and attitudes.

Father, let us clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and gentleness. Allow them to become a natural part of our daily lives. Let our first instinct to be one of these traits, rather than our own selfish desires. Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Which of the above virtues do you have the most difficulty demonstrating in your life? Pray and ask God to show you someone whom you can demonstrate that difficult trait to today.

Further Reading:
Philippians 2:6-7

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