Colossians 3:12-17 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 unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members 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.

These verses rang truth and conviction through my heart this morning. I'm one of those to quick with my thoughts and opinion people. I jump to conclusions without getting all the facts and often won't go clarify because I do not like any kind of confrontation. It's cost me some friendships, sleep, peace and time. Yet if I would learn to slow down and greet each new day as it says in Colossians, I think my life would be completed transformed.

I want to have this kind of attitude and life!

• Compassionate
• Kind
• Humble
• Gentle
• Patient
• Forgiving
• Peaceful
• Thankful
• Loving

I expect others to treat me this way yet I'm not always treating others this way. Jesus lived his life this way in the midst of persecution, busy days, people wanting from him constantly, stress (yet he handled it with peace), tiredness and the salvation of the world on His shoulders. He didn't have any off days where He changed his behavior because he was tired or annoyed. He was and is compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, peaceful, thankful and loving at all times-even when he was rebuking. I MUST start relying of Christ for the strength to put these virtues into my everyday life.

Awesome and Holy, Creator of the universe, how I adore you. You alone are worthy of my praise and love. Thank you for sending your Son to die for my salvation. I'm so thankful for your Holy word and your Holy Spirit that you have given me as a guide to my life. I pray for forgiveness as I have not been as compassionate, kind, gentle, loving or thankful as I should be. I pray for a heart that is transformed to your likeness. I need you! I can do none of this alone. My strength comes from you alone. I pray for my actions to align with the truth of your word. I love you!!

My action plan-yep I need one :)

• It's ok to be wrong-apologize and forgive
• Give, give and give-time, words of encouragement, hugs, smiles and praise
• Compassion-take the steps, even when you are uncomfortable
• Be kind and gentle-especially with your words-School is going to be hard but do it anyways
• Show love and thankfulness to all-You have alot of people who need to hear thank you each time they do something kind.
• Forgive-They may not deserve it but neither did you and Christ gave it to you anyway. Return the favor :)
• Peace-Slow down the anger-be compassionate, kind and loving instead

May the love of Christ set you free to lead the life He died to give us!