Completing The Spiritual Outfit for Your Grandchild

Last week, we talked about not only outfitting our grandchild physically, but spiritually.  The passage we looked at was from Colossians 3: 12-17, which reads: 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 whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unit.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as member of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

Today we want to look at modeling the outfit of gentleness, patience, and bearing with each other.  I'll have to admit that is one tough outfit to pull off.  But with a little spiritual exercise, anyone can learn to wear it. 

 

How can you be gentle when your patience is at wits end?  How can you put up with someone in a grouchy mood without losing your cool?  Well, I'm trying (for I'm not a patient person) to put on the garment (attitude) and hope my emotions (spirit) will catch up.  Psychologists say it will work, but most importantly, God says it will work. In fact, He said it first when He told you to praise in all circumstances.  He knows that attitude is 99.9 percent of the battle.  He's saying get your mind in line with My Word. 

 

God says He has given you a garment of praise to put on when things hit you full force. Did you know that God inhabits praise?  Yes, he does, "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel [His people]," Psalm 22:3 KJV, brackets mine.  Thus, the next time the world hits you in the face, start praising and God will help you cope. You'll be amazed at how everything turns around.  Let your grandchild see you praising and managing to be self-controlled--gentle, patient and bearing with others who may be having a down day. 

 

Of course, right along with bearing with each other, comes the cloak of forgiveness, that garment of righteousness which Jesus extended it to you.  He expects and commands you to extend it to others.  Enough said!  Do model that garment for your grandchild.  The final touch will be the sash of love, which holds the outfit together.  Love covers a multitude of sins.  Search out the Scriptures on love and wear that belt daily.

 

Grandparent, you're going to be a knockout when you wear your spiritual outfit.  Hit the runway and let your grandchild see how dazzling you are!