The Believer’s Disposition

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; - Colossians 3:12

    This verse, as well as the preceding and following verses, reveals how our deportment and disposition should be, as becomes a child of God. Our attitude toward others, especially those who profess to know Christ and believe his Gospel, is one of love and tenderness. They may not always fit our mold as to how we think they should be and do, yet we must be kind and patient, and always try to give them the benefit of the doubt, knowing that our judgments are imperfect as well. It is never becoming to our profession to be rude, withdrawn, and callous toward others. It is love and kindness that heals and helps, rather than indifference and coldness.

    I am not saying that we should agree with everyone and everything, compromising what we know to be the truth. I am saying that as much as God will give us grace in our hearts, we are to be approachable and friendly. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Prv 18:24). Speak kindly and be hospitable to all men, especially those who profess to know Christ, even when maybe sometimes others are not so with us.

    Often we tend to show our feelings of disagreement with others by intentionally ignoring them and distancing ourselves. Many times these issues have nothing to do with the Gospel directly, and our fellowship and friendship can be maintained, if we would but be consistent in our attitude of love toward the brethren. I may disagree with you, but may God help me to be kind and approachable, as one that cares.