“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” –Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

We have a chalkboard in our kitchen for Bible verses. I leave them on the board until I have it memorized, or until it ceases to convict me. Colossians 3:12 was on that board from January until May of 2020. Yes I needed to be reminded daily to get dressed. To put on the robes of compassion, the apron of kindness, the jeans of humility, the soft sweater of gentleness, and my patience t-shirt.

Some of these traits come easier than others depending on our personalities. I’m generally kind and compassionate until i have to be patient, and then my gentleness suddenly no longer comes through. I get it. I struggle with these qualities and that’s why this verse was on my chalkboard for so long…

But hear me: we need a little compassion from this president. Thousands of people have died from the Covid-19 virus, and he has expressed sorrow only that this virus ruined his economy. We need a little kindness from this man. Surely I’m not the only one offended at his tweets, his brashness, his plain unkindness? We need some humility here, Mr. President. Do not speak only of your greatness. Gentleness? Mr. President, we long for no more reckless, rude, and callous words. Patience? Ok, I’ll let you slide here–we all have trouble with patience…

We are called to be better people tomorrow than we are today. It’s not easy, but most of us try. We need a leader who takes responsibility and will stop blaming other people for things gone wrong.

And yes, things have gone wrong…

Tune in tomorrow for Colossians 3:13.

Post Script: Today the President and First Lady announced that they had tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. I wish them a recovery; but I also pray that this struggle will produce in the president a compassion that we have not yet seen. Our struggles make us stronger and better people, yes? Lord, may it be so…