“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12, NIV)
In the tug and pull of daily living, we are apt to forget how God feels about His children; but Paul offers to us this reminder: We are “holy and dearly loved.”
To be holy is to be like our heavenly Father, because He is holy — which is to say, “separate,” or “uncommon.” Separate, because we follow only our God. Uncommon, because the world doesn’t see many who live as we live: “[Clothed] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
To accept that we are “dearly loved” is the fire of inspiration; it is the freedom to go beyond ourselves; it is the frame that informs and circumscribes all of our choices.
It is a rare and wonderful state to be holy and dearly loved by God; and that is us. Today. Live it! – Luther
Daily Encouragement 