Christ-Centered Devotion – Day 3

‘Clothe yourself with compassion' (Colossians 3:12)

Historical Context:
 Colossians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Colossae. In Colossians 3, Paul exhorts believers to live out their new identity in Christ.


My Family’s Reflection on the 8 Questions

(May the Holy Spirit guide you, making your reflection unique and fruitful.)

1. What is the work of God?

God is the source of compassion. He has always shown compassion toward humanity, even when we were undeserving. His love and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible, culminating in Jesus Christ.

2. What is the work of Jesus?

Jesus is the ultimate example of compassion. The greatest act of God’s mercy was allowing Jesus to die for our sins. Because of Him, we can now clothe ourselves with God’s compassion, reflecting His love to others.

3. What was the fallen condition of the people in those days?

Many believers in Colossae still struggled with their old ways—selfishness, anger, division, and lack of love. Instead of showing Christ-like compassion, they were prone to holding grudges and seeking their own interests.

4. What is our fallen condition?

Like the Colossians, we often lack compassion. We may think we can be loving and patient without God’s help, but in reality, our sinful nature makes us self-centered.

5. What should we do?

God calls us to clothe ourselves with compassion—not by willpower, but through His transforming love. As we clothe ourselves with God’s compassion, we rely on Jesus to help us show compassion—including kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness—even toward those who seem unlovable, yet are deeply loved by God.

6. Where should we apply this?

In our families, workplaces, schools, and communities. We must extend Christ’s compassion to those who are difficult, those in need, and even those who have wronged us.

7. Why should we do it?

Because God has been compassionate toward us. While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). If God has forgiven and loved us despite our failings, who are we to withhold compassion from others?

8. How should we do it?


Closing Thought

Paul’s message is clear: as God’s children, we must actively put on compassion like a garment. It is not something we can produce on our own—it is a gift from God, made possible through Jesus.

Are you wearing compassion today? How can you reflect God’s compassion to those around you?

 

Personal Sharing:

Hermione has grown up and no longer wants to attend school holiday program when we go to work. One day, before driving to work, I opened the Bible app, and the verse that appeared was “Clothe yourself with compassion” (Colossians 3:12-14).

At around 10:30 a.m., Hermione called me with a fearful voice, “Dad! Please help me! There's a bug, a big bug! It's in the living room, and I can't go out. I'm hiding in my bedroom now!” I asked, “How big is the bug?” She replied, “As big as my thumb! And it's black and red. I'm terrified—help me!”

As a hospital worker and a rational minded dad, I was about to say, “Hermione, you're 11 years old. It's just a small bug! Go out and get rid of it yourself, or you'll have to stay in your room all day. Consider this as your training to face fear!”

However, God’s Word came to me: “Clothe yourself with compassion.” I remembered my morning devotion, held back my words, took a deep breath, and said a quick prayer. Suddenly, the small bug that seemed insignificant to me became enormous in my mind—bigger than my body. I could empathize with my daughter because, in that moment, I saw how terrifying that red and black bug must have been to her.

I replied, “Okay, you know I work in a hospital. I’m unsure if I can return immediately, but I’ll try to ask my manager.” Then we hung up.

I called my boss right away, and she had no problem letting me leave to rescue my daughter.

When I got home, I found the bug and got rid of it. Hermione was overjoyed. She shouted, “Thank you, Dad, for coming to my rescue! I love you!

I went back to work immediately after. Later that evening, I shared my side of the story with Hermione—how God had transformed my response through the morning devotion. Then I asked, “How did you feel when I arrived?”

She said, “I felt like God sent me an angel. I was so happy and comforted. I was so worried I couldn’t even leave my bedroom for tea and lunch.”

We have recorded this memorable experience with Jesus on our YouTube channel.

A Lesson in Compassion and Life Transformation

I thank God for teaching me compassion. He helped me see things from my daughter’s perspective.

This experience revealed my own weaknesses and how much I need Jesus' transforming power. I admit that I often avoid inconvenience and don’t like having my plans interrupted—like when I hesitated to go home just to deal with a little bug. But God showed me that I had actually made comfort and control into idols.

This time, God helped me become an "angel" to my daughter, and I thank Him for that. Through this experience, Hermione encountered and learned something very important—that God’s love for her is far greater than even her father’s love.