Put on Jesus

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.

Romans 13:14

One of the most common challenges for believers is dealing with all people in a Christ-like manner.

It isn’t just relatives or anyone close to us that can try us and cause us to dishonor the Savior whom we profess to love. Believers can easily slip into sinful behaviors like anger, judgment, disrespect, gossip, bitterness, unforgiveness, and more.

So what can we do when faced with difficult people?

Well, our key verse is the straightforward answer. There is no mystery to its meaning. Believers need to robe themselves in the light of Christ.

We must put on His character and live in a way that shows Christ is in us. When we do that, we will be strengthened to stand firm in our faith.

If you are wholly devoted to God, then you should be talking to Him daily and reading the Word for His wisdom and for edification. You should be sharing the Gospel and fellowshipping with other true believers. And certainly, we should all be honest about our own behavior. Are we the cause of others’ frustration?

Let’s step back a couple of verses. Before we even read “put on Christ”.

The night is nearly over, and the day is near; so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Romans 13:12

This verse is a reminder that our journey here is brief. We don’t know when Jesus will return. But we want to be found faithful.

As true followers of Christ, there should be evidence of our new life in Him. Living in His holy Light will help us to glorify Him in the way we love others. That love must be extended to everyone.

God is not telling us to subject ourselves to abuse or to join in with sinful behavior-just put on the Lord Jesus. If we do that, then we will know how to treat others.

Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct, he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. 

But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. 

Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 

For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

James 3:13-18

Don’t you want to reflect Jesus? You can either honor Him or His enemy. There are only two options; there is no middle ground. Choosing indifference means rejecting Jesus. True believers cannot remain complacent.

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. 

Revelation 3:15 – 16

Put on Jesus today.

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.