Characteristics of a Sanctified / Holy Life

The study text for this lesson: Colossians 3:12-14

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion (show mercy to others), kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Paul the Apostle, exhorts the Church at Colosse to maintain a holy lifestyle. Paul admonishes them, "to clothe themselves with" - "put on" compassion (show mercy to others), kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This "putting on" helps us progress in the sanctification process, the purifying process through which God is taking all of us, so He can make us more like Christ. Sanctification is being made holy, purified, and set apart for God’s special use or purpose. 

Sanctification or holiness is what makes us "saints" (a term for believers - Christians used in scripture); we are God’s holy - sanctified people. It's only by the strength of God, and our complete reliance on His sustaining power and transforming grace, that we will be able to heed - obey the directions - instructions given to us above. 

This "putting on" helps us progress in the sanctification process, 

the purifying process through which God is taking all of us, 
so He can make us more like Christ. 

A heart of compassion - showing mercy to others

Some of us are more compassionate than others. Maybe it’s our personality or the environment – the home in which we were raised. Nevertheless, in the Lord’s Church, every believer is admonished to “put on a heart of compassion - show mercy to others” {Colossians 3:12}. Compassion is simply defined as a desire to free others from their suffering; a deeply felt affection or sensitivity to people in need.  

Because empathy (the ability to understand or share the feelings of others) doesn’t come naturally, some believers may wonder if something is wrong with them. So, what can we do to develop a greater sense of caring?

Having a heart of compassion indicates a very deep feeling, 

a yearning with the deeply-felt affection of Jesus Christ.

While emotions cannot be manufactured on demand, we can change our thoughts, which in turn affect our emotions. Compassion is possible only when we think of others before ourselves. Self-centeredness keeps us from seeing the needs and hurts of those around us and acting on their behalf. What we need is a renewed mind.

The believer's new nature is like a growing plant that grows stronger 

and stronger in a continuous, advancing process.

We are all born with a selfish, sinful nature, referred to as the “old self.” However, when a person puts their trust in Jesus for salvation, they receive a “new self” created in righteousness by God {Ephesians 4:22-24}. As our minds are renewed with God’s Word and we grow in obedience, Christ’s love and compassion begin to flow through us; remember, "God poured out His love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit He gave us" {Romans 5:5}. Instead of our being oblivious to the pain and suffering around us, God will open our eyes and use us to comfort - help those in need.

Being made like Christ through salvation, 

we should act like Christ. 

A heart of compassion cannot be achieved through self-effort, however, it is the heart of the person with a God-focused life. As we draw near to Him through His Word and His Son, He transforms our focus, thoughts, and feelings. What a relief to know that God has provided everything we need to follow Jesus’ example of compassion. God equips us to obey His Word.