Put on therefore, as [the] elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;
The verse turns from what the believer strips off to what he puts on: five qualities to wear like clothing. But it opens with three names — chosen, holy, beloved — so do these clothes earn those names, or grow out of them?
A Standing Given Before the Command
The word "therefore" ties the instruction to everything said before it. Commentators are clear that the order runs one way only.
Our walk and practice could never secure this place of privilege before God. Our standing in blessing is wholly the result of the grace of God that has reached us through Christ. The walk cannot secure that position of privilege. But the position is meant to govern the walk.
The same point is put in terms of the gospel: these qualities are the crop, not the seed.
The Gospel does not expect to find ready-made saints: it makes them. It is preached to sinners, not to saints, and the first thing is to receive it as a sinner... All such things are fruits of the Gospel. So the Gospel must be received first, and the fruits follow.
Three Titles Borrowed from Christ Himself
Each of the three words says something different.
As "the elect", God chose us "before the foundation of the world" for heavenly blessing, according to His purpose. As "holy", He sets us apart for Himself, out of this present world. As "beloved", He cares for us every step of our journey through it.
These titles were not invented for us. Writers point out that Scripture uses them of the Lord Jesus.
In Colossians 3:12 the apostle uses of Christians the same terms as are used elsewhere of Christ... Compare Isaiah 42:1, "Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights." ... Matthew 3:17 says, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." God in His grace speaks of us as He speaks of His own Son. So let us "walk in the same way in which he walked" (1 John 2:6). Those who are beautiful before God should also be beautiful before men. Our practical state should correspond to our standing.
Loved First, Then Loving
The word "beloved" is not decoration. It is the engine of the whole list.
If a person loves me, that draws out love in return. So knowing God's love and God's delight creates bonds of affection that do not exist without it. Being accepted does not only mean my sins are gone, so that I could stand before Him. I am the object of His delight... So the Christian should walk through the world knowing he is loved by God. With that, we do not want the world. Without it, we have to turn to something that puts self at the centre.
Five Graces, Each with Its Own Work
The list is not five words for one idea. Each has a distinct field of action.
Mercy is grace to those who depend on us in some way, and who are in special need. Kindness does not always mean meeting a real need... It serves the happiness and comfort of others who may have no special need. Lowliness looks at self; meekness looks at others. Lowliness thinks low thoughts, or no thoughts, of self; meekness gives way to others.
Every one of them was already on display in the life of Jesus.
We see tender mercy in Him when He was "moved with compassion" (Matt. 9:36). We see kindness in His gentle dealings with Judas, right to the end... Meekness (not standing up for His rights) shows all through His life. It showed even when Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) hated Him, persecuted Him, and were determined to crucify Him. He opened not His mouth (Isa. 53:7). Patience (bearing up under constant suffering) marked His entire life.
Clothing Worn Outside, Life Working Inside
"Put on" is a clothing word, and clothing has two sides.
These graces have to be put on. They are meant to be seen on the outside, but they come from the life within... The fragrant oil of the sanctuary was poured on the head of Aaron, the high priest, and it ran all the way down to the hem of his robes. Christ is the Head of the body. All that delights God rests on Him in perfection. But the whole body must carry the grace of the Head.
That display is not for special settings only.
It is the Christian's privilege to show the character of Christ in a world where people are not like Christ at all. And to do so not only in one circle, or on one special occasion, but in every circle the Christian is called to move in.
Summary
- Chosen first. Nothing you wear buys the name you are given. Grace gives the standing. The standing then governs the walk.
- Christ's own names. Elect, holy, beloved belong first to the Son. God speaks them over believers in grace, so the walk should match the words.
- Loved into loving. Knowing you are God's delight draws out love that grows no other way. It also cures the pull of the world.
- Clothed deliberately. Compassion meets need. Kindness adds comfort. Humility forgets self, meekness yields, patience endures. Five garments, all worn perfectly by Jesus.
- Seen everywhere. The graces show on the outside. The life within feeds them. They are worn in every circle the Christian enters, not just the religious one.