As the leaves begin to change, many of us consider this the best time of year. The crisp air, vibrant trees, cozy activities, pumpkin lattes, and fall fashion all come together to create a season we eagerly anticipate. We pull out our favorite sweaters, hats, and boots, ready for the cool, brisk days ahead. In Colossians 3:12, Paul uses a powerful imagery of clothing when he says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Just as we choose our clothes to fit the season, we must consciously choose to put on the virtues of Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

At first, these virtues may not fit very well. They can feel awkward or uncomfortable, especially if we haven’t yet shed the old habits that marked our previous way of life. But as we continue to embrace them, day by day, we notice something shift inside us. The more we wear these virtues in our thoughts, words, and actions, the more they transform our hearts. The imagery of clothing helps us focus less on ourselves and more on how we can serve those around us. For the goodness of Christ to truly live in us, we must strip away everything that connects us to sin. Only then will the character of Christ begin to fit us fully, and we will reflect Him in all we do. Let us continue to pray for one another, asking God to help us put on the clothes of Christ and grow to resemble Him more, until the day we meet Him face to face. And let us be brave enough to ask each other, “How do I look?” and give honest, loving answers to help each other grow