I’m excited to share that this post has been selected as a featured post at Grace and Truth.
Are You Well-Dressed for Friendship?

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?

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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]

friends in tutusSay yes to the dress,

here is what good friends wear:

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, PUT ON 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.  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?

 

 

 

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