Nougat 10

With the abundance of easy access shopping channels, many persons have forfeited designer labels for cheaper brands. In some instances, there has already been a ripple effect on the clothing and household sector. It had also manifested in many of us being able to dress better for less. For, it is now feasible to update one’s wardrobe with an extremely limited budget.

Most of us find this appealing, as we all want to look better for less. But what if we could upgrade another wardrobe for far cheaper?

In most societies we differentiate our clothing in relation to the occasion. Hence, we have church clothes, uniforms, house and sleepwear, clothes for work, underwear, etc. Some of these items may be layered, but they’re not likely to be the same for all occasions. These wardrobe pieces that we’ll reflect on can be worn together, and for all occasions. That’s already a blessing. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Colossians 3:12 NLT

[12] Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

New Wardrobe

From our Nougat, you may have realized that we will spend a few days reflecting on our spiritual wardrobe. It is versatile, one size fits all, adaptable, and most of all – FREE. Not Free, as in comes without challenges, but Free because it’s been pre-purchased for us by Y’shua.

That sounds like a good enough reason to try our pieces on, mixing and matching so that when we step out into the world, we can put our best foot forward. But siblings, as we change our wardrobe, it is in our interest to also throw out the old pieces. In so doing, we’re Faithfully Fashion Forward.

The first item we’ve been gifted is tenderhearted mercy, or compassion. The original text transliterates this as hearts of compassion, which HELPS Word-studies advises, is the deep feeling (concerns) about someone’s difficulty or misfortune.

Self-Check

Do we already have tenderhearted mercy in our wardrobe?

Are we wearing it?

How often do we ‘sport’ it?

Application Consideration

How do we respond when friends, family members, foes, or even strangers are in difficulties? Do we

a. revel in their misfortune,

b. turn a blind eye,

c. act as though their situation is contagious, or

d. seek to provide support as we are able?

Hopefully you responded ‘D’

Putting on compassion says though it may not come naturally to us, we are willing to act on concerns about another because of God’s Spirit living within us. Rather than recording someone’s misfortune, we offer solutions, ensuring that the glory is not ours, but God’s.

It may be prayer, a listening, non-judgemental ear, connecting the person to support services (like the Good Samaritan), or all of the above. Whatever it becomes, may it be a response that showcases Christ being our Saviour and God’s Spirit dwelling within.

Assignment

Let’s look for an opportunity to wear Tenderhearted Mercy today.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ