Deeply Divine Encounters

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. COLOSSIANS 3:12 NIV 

The couple gathered their gear together and boarded the charter boat, headed toward a spot off the coast where a ship had sunk several decades before. Now the location boasted a host of different marine life, including the Mimic octopus that they both hoped to see. As the boat drew close, all the deep-sea divers donned their wetsuits and strapped on air tanks and weights. Once they were all properly prepared, they anchored the boat and plunged into the water, flippers first. Thanks to the gear and their guide, they were able to swim directly to the undersea wreck and enjoy the encounter with all different kinds of sea creatures. 

But what if they had decided they didn’t need their wetsuit or air tanks? Wouldn’t their underwater sea adventure be short-lived at best, or bound for total disaster at worst? They prepared properly for their excursion because they wanted their mission to succeed. The same goes for believers as we live out the adventure of Christ’s kingdom mission. Every day, God opens up opportunities for us to encounter all kinds of people—in our own homes, at work, at church, and in our community. Wonderfully divine interactions can and will take place when we’re properly clothed with His Spirit. 

As we abide in Christ and submit to His Spirit, we can say no to the sinful inclinations of our flesh and choose to strap on the life-giving air of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience that come part and parcel with the Spirit’s presence. He goes everywhere we do, enabling us to breathe in the love of God that we in turn exhale out through every word we speak and the work of kindness we do. By keeping close to Jesus, we will succeed in His mission each day. 

Who will you encounter today? Ask Jesus to help you prepare by getting dressed for success and staying submitted to His Spirit. 

Lord, thank You for giving me everything I need for life and righteousness. Empower me by Your Spirit to put off the world’s ways and to live a life worthy of You, filled with Your wonderful kindness. In Jesus’s name. 

This is an excerpt from True Sweetness: Growing in the Fruits of the Spirit – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.