So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper];
Colossians 3:12 AMP
In Colossians 3:5-11 the Apostle Paul urges us to put to death our earthly nature and all its passions and desires. We should instead put on the new life, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ. The passage begins with a call to “put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). These vices are characteristic of the old self, the person we were before we encountered Christ. A life driven by selfish desires and a lack of meekness, or the willingness to submit to God’s will.
But Paul reminds us that we have been raised with Christ. Our call is now to a new way of life. As he puts it in verse 7, “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” (Colossians 3:7-8). Instead, we’re to put on the new self, which is characterized by virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience – all of which require meekness to cultivate and demonstrate.
This new life is being renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ, and we are called to “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” (Colossians 3:12-13).
Meekness: A Fruit of the New Life
Meekness is at the heart of this call to put on the new self. It requires us to submit to God’s will, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. Meekness enables us to bear with one another and forgive one another, as we’re called to do.
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Luke 6:27-31 NIV
At the heart of this call to practical meekness is the principle of treating others as we would like to be treated. Jesus says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). This requires us to put ourselves in the shoes of others. To consider their needs and desires, even if they’ve hurt us or wronged us in some way. Practical meekness also involves responding to mistreatment with grace and kindness, rather than retaliating or seeking revenge.
In all of these commands, Jesus is calling us to a new life of meekness. A life characterized by humility, gentleness, and a willingness to submit to God’s will. This is not an easy path to follow, but it is the path that Jesus himself walked. It’s the path that leads to abundant life and true fulfilment.
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.”
Colossians 3:12 MSG
