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Holy Through Jesus

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

The word "holy" stands out to me in this verse.  Paul writes with such authority here and calls it out.  Once we are living in Christ, we are holy through Him.  Therefore these characteristics we are called to have also come through Him.  I find it interesting that three of these five are part of the fruit of the Spirit.  That should be our next clue that in order to be clothed with these we must first be "clothed" in the Spirit.  This is a constant struggle for me.  I find myself trying to control my emotions about a situation in order to remain patient.  Or I try to control my thoughts and words in a different situation in order to show kindness.  I believe God is continually asking me to surrender these things over to Him.  When I do, I don't even think about trying to control anything.  What happens is that my response just is patient and kind.  It is so hard for me leave control in His hands.  My prayer is that I will surrender through Jesus, just as I live in Him, and maybe then I will not take it back.

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