His Character. Colossians 3:12 The believer's new life is like putting on a fresh, strong coat. A born-again Christian now belongs to God's family. When the apostle Paul wrote these words, he knew they were inspired by the Holy Spirit and emphasized our living for the Lord Jesus Christ. The believer's character is holy and loved because something new has happened inside. The Spirit of God lives in us, and a new nature has been given to us that fights against the pressures of sin.
We have been blessed with many things that foster this motivation from the heart. Our affections [v.2], our heart's desire, save us from worldliness when they are set on things above. Peace in the heart [v.15] will save us from worry. Our trust is in the One who made peace and has given it to us. When the Word of God [v.16] is in the heart, we are saved from ignorance because we learn from the Source of the highest wisdom and infinite knowledge. Grace in the heart [v.16] will save us from pride because we receive everything from Him through whom "all blessings flow." Singleness of heart [v.22] will save us from trying to serve two masters. It is either God or mammon, not both. When this heart-work is intact, we will be joyful [v.16], thankful [v.17], and submissive [v.17], people God intends us to be. By doing every service from the heart [v.23], we will not try to please men but God.
There are new attractions and desires that come with the spiritual life we've been given. We should show mercy because mercy has been shown to us and now comes naturally. God, in His grace, extended His arm of grace and power, inspiring faith and trust in us. Showing kindness to others is no longer unusual; it is natural. Grace influences us, and it desires to express itself through us to others. How wonderful was the kindness shown by the One who came as a baby in the manger and went to the cross so that we might be part of God's chosen ones!
“Elect of God,” in a scriptural sense, refers to those who respond to God's call of salvation that He extends to “all men everywhere” as He invites people to repent. Those who turn from their sins to God and accept the forgiveness and free salvation He offers are special people. They are saved by grace through faith, understanding they do not earn or deserve salvation in any way. Those whom the Holy God loves are made holy and are called to adopt the characteristics our Savior displays.
Because God has chosen His people in the church to be to the praise of His glory, this does not excuse human responsibility. We have been chosen for eternal salvation and must make every effort to live in a godly way each day, regardless of what others do or say. God’s sovereignty and our responsibility are compatible, not contradictory. We have been selected to be ambassadors of a new and distinct humanity that is holy and beloved, but we are not exempt from living rightly because of this blessing.
The robe of righteousness that believers in Christ put on influences our knowledge and intellect as we realize that “the elect of God” is an act of God's mind toward us. Holy and beloved covers the heart and emotions as we love, honor, and obey our Lord. It also serves as a way for the character to be revealed and valued. Compassion, affection, and sympathy lead to acts of kindness without seeking recognition—esteem for others with honesty before God is Christ-like.
Meekness in a gentle person is not a sign of weakness of character or actions. When a believer is submitted to the will of God, the strength needed and the ability to control and use what God provides come from Him in ways that suit the situation. Longsuffering means patience that waits to avenge wrongs, retaliate properly, repay evil with good, and offer a gentle answer with grace. Such words will hopefully prevent anger, but they also carry warnings and consequences if wrongdoing continues and is not corrected.
A humble spirit should always be admired among those with the mind of Christ. Humility is the strength that overcomes many challenges in holy living. Meekness is power under control, allowing one to carry burdens that others find too difficult. Patience, or long temper, means taking a pause when issues arise, giving time to search for the real cause and the underlying needs that must be met.