So we have been told of the things that we need to get rid of. Now we are told what we need to replace them with. However, this isn't a simple instruction, but is based on our changed status. Three aspects of this status are given here:
- We are God's chosen people;
- We are holy;
- We are dearly loved.
We have been chosen by God. You weren't saved by accident, but on purpose. We have been set apart for purpose. Our lives have meaning, they are a crucial part of God's plan for the world. And we are dearly loved. So much evil behaviour is actually a reaction against feeling unloved or rejected. It is no less wrong because of that, but when we rebelled against God we entered a vicious circle. We sinned and that makes the problem worse and so we sin more, and so it goes on. This cycle has been broken in Christ.
So instead of anger and selfishness we put on kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness and patience. These are not characteristics of a weak person, but of someone who is confident in who they are. We are children of the living God, we have a purpose in life, we are dearly loved, so we have every reason to be confident. And this confidence does not exhibit itself in boasting, but in humility.
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