Is your compassion the real deal?

Colossians 3:12

 Therefore, as God's chosen people,holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

This really spoke to me on many levels. It's easy for me to show compassion to strangers, the homeless and the needy. It's comes natural for me to extend compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to friends/acquaintances.

As I read this verse last night, I heard God say to me.....

" What about those you are close to? " Your family ? Friends?

"What about the ones who do you harm and hurt your feelings? "

( Intentionally and UN-Intentionally)

My response was a slow one......

"I am sure that I do Lord".....

Yes I am pretty sure I do.........Right?

"Yes I do"......was my final answer.

Oh but wait just a minute, now my spirit is stirring and I am now reminded of times I have NOT been clothed with these things.

Ewwwww..........now I am having to open myself up for correction.

Owwwweee~

I now see it is the ones I am closest to I lose patience with. ( My children)

 There are times my responses were not answered with "gentleness" but with overwhelming irritation.

My kindness turned to criticising remarks. ( My friends)

( In my mind I am stating facts, but with correction I see they are not)

My gentleness was harsh responses justified within myself as honesty. ( My family)

Sweet Jesus.......please forgive me~

I did not intend to be harsh, impatient, unkind or without compassion.

But I was.........

I do not want to be "unclothed"

I want to be who God has called me to be in every shape and form. I want ALL my responses and emotions to shine with the love of  Christ.

My prayer today is before I respond to any situation or circumstance, I am clothed with compassion,kindness,humility,gentleness,and patience.

Food for thought..............

Is your compassion the real deal???

Much Love~

Stacey