Putting on the Coat of Love

Clothed in Love: A Call to Walk in Christ’s Compassion

As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in our struggles, our responsibilities, and even our own emotions. But the Bible calls us to something greater—something that goes beyond our own experiences. We are called to be clothed in love.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV), "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Did you catch that? We are to put on love. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s a command. Love is the piece that brings everything else together. Without it, our acts of kindness, our patience, and even our faith can fall short. Love is the coat that completes the outfit.

Love Is a Choice We Must Make Daily

When we wake up in the morning, we decide what we’re going to wear for the day. In the same way, we must choose to put on love. It doesn’t happen automatically. We have to be intentional about walking in love, showing grace, and extending forgiveness.

Think about Joseph in the book of Genesis. His brothers betrayed him, sold him into slavery, and left him for dead. He had every reason to hold onto anger, bitterness, and resentment. But when he finally had the power to punish them, he chose forgiveness instead. He chose love.

In Genesis 50:20 (NIV), Joseph tells his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Joseph understood that love wasn’t about feelings—it was about faith. He trusted that God was working in his situation, and because of that, he was able to extend mercy where others might have sought revenge.

The Coat of Love Covers a Multitude of Sins

When we put on love, we are walking in the very nature of Christ. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV), "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Love isn’t blind to faults, but it chooses to see people through the lens of grace rather than judgment.

There are people in our lives who will disappoint us. Friends will fail us. Family members will say the wrong thing. Co-workers will test our patience. But when we wear the coat of love, we respond with forgiveness instead of bitterness, with kindness instead of harshness.

Jesus himself showed us the greatest example of this. As He hung on the cross, suffering for sins He didn’t commit, He still chose love. He looked at those who mocked Him and said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34, NIV). That’s the kind of love we are called to walk in.

How Do We Put on the Coat of Love?

1. Start with Prayer – Ask God to fill you with His love daily. We can’t do it in our own strength, but through Him, we can love even the unlovable.

   
   

2. Renew Your Mind with the Word – The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more we take on the heart of Christ. Meditate on passages about love and forgiveness.

   
   

3. Choose Love in Every Interaction – Whether it’s in traffic, at work, or in our own homes, we have opportunities every day to choose love over frustration.

   
   

4. Forgive Quickly – Holding onto grudges only burdens us. When we forgive, we free ourselves and allow God’s love to work in us.

   
   

5. Let the Holy Spirit Guide You – He will prompt you in moments when love is needed most. Be sensitive to His leading.

   
   
   
   

Love Transforms Everything

When we put on the coat of love, we begin to reflect Christ in every area of our lives. Our relationships change. Our hearts soften. Our faith deepens. The world is watching how we respond to trials, disagreements, and disappointments. Will they see Jesus in us?

John 13:35 (NIV) says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Our love is the evidence of Christ in us. It is what sets us apart from the world.

So today, as you step out, make the decision to put on love. Let it be your covering, your protection, and your testimony. Love isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we wear. And when we wear it well, we show the world who our God truly is.

Clothe yourselves in love, and let Christ shine through you.