Some people are said to wear their heart on their sleeve. This expression is a reference to those who display their feelings openly and habitually, rather than keeping them private. Sometimes that comes in the form of constant whining. However, the heart properly worn should reveal itself in compassionate living.
Jesus put on flesh to walk among humanity. (John 1:14) In this way He was not only then able to give His body and shed His blood on the cross for our sins (Hebrews 2:14), but was also able to be a living visual aid of the way in which we can live in this realm pleasing to the Father. Clothed in flesh, Jesus revealed actions compelled by a compassionate heart; something we have noted over the past few days. That heart is to adorn our life as well.
Writing to Christians at Colossae, Paul urged. . .
“(12) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, (13) 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 ESV)
The Greek word translated “put on” is “enduo” which signifies to enter into or get into, as into clothes. Therefore “put on” is a good translation of the word. Part of the ensemble of which we are to be clothed is a compassionate heart. If it is lacking, we are not suitably dressed for the life we have been called to live. The possessing of a compassionate heart — along with the other qualities listed by Paul in this passage — reveals our genuine identity with Christ; a life lived to be more and more like Him. May we daily strive to live up to the “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17) we have become in Christ.
Have a great day LIVING THAT THE HEART OF JESUS MAY BE SEEN!
Carl
