I’m excited to share that this post has been selected as a featured post at Grace and Truth.
Little girls love to dress up. When my daughter was four, a pink tutu was her favorite outfit for everything–dancing in ballet class, playing in the yard, or running errands with mom. And what better outfit to wear to a play date with friends?
Dressing for the occasion isn’t quite so simple anymore. Don’t you hate those moments when you stand at your closet door, debating what to wear? You put on one outfit and it doesn’t feel right for the moment…too dressy. Another is too casual. Wouldn’t it be great just to get out the pink tutu?
![564832_10151126445164482_891235351_n[1]](https://b2071576.smushcdn.com/2071576/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/564832_10151126445164482_891235351_n1.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
We might be too grown up to wear a pink tutu, but we never outgrow the joy of friendship. [tweetthis]It doesn’t matter whether a girl is 4 or 40, friendship is an important part of life.[/tweetthis]
Say yes to the dress,
Say yes to the dress,here is what good friends wear:
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, PUT ONÂ a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Â Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.–Colossians 3:12-15
[tweetthis]Godly character traits will never go out of style and they are always the right attire for every relationship.[/tweetthis] These qualities will enhance every relationship and they are God’s gifts. As we live in the fulness of our identity in Christ, the insecurity of our souls settles into the confidence that we are chosen, holy, and beloved by God. Getting dressed in the Spirit’s qualities comes down to choosing to rely on what God has given us–His ability to be compassionate, kind, humble, and gentle…
We can give because we’ve received.
We can love because we’ve been loved.
We can forgive because we’ve been forgiven.
When we put on the qualities of the Spirit, we are free to enjoy our friendships with open hearts. [tweetthis]Confident and loved in Christ, we don’t need to draw love and acceptance from others. [/tweetthis]Choosing to put on humility, we don’t have to be the center of attention or prove ourselves to others.
Receiving the fullness of God’s Spirit, our needs for love, acceptance, worth, security, and value are met. If we remember this truth, we are free to relate to friends without any ulterior motive of getting our needs met.
When we are fully dressed for friendship, we can focus on giving to others and trust God to meet our needs. tweetthis]Make a simple choice to put on God’s qualities as you get dressed each day.[/tweetthis] Let the practical action of putting on your clothes remind you to prayerfully put on the Spirit. Just as you wouldn’t go to work without your shoes, you should never leave the house without the love of God.
Wearing the qualities of Christ, you will be well-dressed for every occasion!
Other qualities in this passage that build strong friendships:
- Humility
- Gentleness
- Patience
- Love
- Unity
- Peace
Is there an attribute of the Spirit that is missing from your relational wardrobe?
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
I love the thought of putting on Christ as I put on my clothes for the day! Such practical wisdom! This post was a good reminder to me of what is most important in friendships…Thanks!
I’m a pretty basic gal, so practical reminders help me stay focused. Glad this was a helpful illustration for you. My relationships always go better when I am relating through the resources of God’s Spirit, rather than my own motivations.
As always, I love your post! What an encouragement to relate to each other through and in the power of the Holy Spirit – that’s how we agape love each other and receive that love from God! Amen!
I appreciate your sweet comments! You hit hit the nail on the head. Receiving and giving agape is the way to go. Have a great weekend.
This is such a great way of looking at the fruits of the spirit that we need in our life. I can definitely relate to the idea of putting on these qualities, as I would a pink tutu. ; ) Loved this!
For me, it’s so easy to rush into the day, that I’m not always spiritually prepared to relate to others in the Spirit. Let’s all “put on the tutu!” Thanks so much for joining me today!
Reading your post brought to mind a song from Annie…You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile…and ya gotta have girlfriends!
I’d forgotten about that song–goes great with this post. Thanks for stoppying by today and enjoy some time with friends this weekend!
This a wonderful way to approach relationships. I like how you have gently pointed out the importance of the fruits of the spirit in getting ready for the day.
So glad we have crossed paths today, Carol. I love it when God gives me a practical reminder for it helps me follow through and do it. Have a wonderful weekend!
This is fantastic!! I’m going to feature it tomorrow morning for the next round of Grace & Truth! I just love your analogies and gentle encouragement. I’m already tweeting this post as well; excellently done, Ginger!
I’m so glad you liked this. It is a change of pace from many of my usual topics, yet it is a subject near to all our hearts:) Thanks for the feature. I’ve been out of town and a bit behind the power curve on seeing this. Very exciting.
Oh, imagine the beautiful relationships that happen if we all could dress ourselves in the qualities of Christ! I love this! Thanks, Ginger! What a joy it was to stop by today 🙂 Thanks so much for the FB visit yesterday 🙂
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
You’re welcome! It was my pleasure. Thanks so much for stopping by!