
A Lesson in Abundance
All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.—COLOSSIANS 3:12 NIV
Caregivers usually don’t have much time to tend to their wardrobes—especially when things are really whirling out of control. We rush from place to place, hardly paying attention to our attire. Only when we catch a glimpse of ourselves in a mirror (or see ourselves in photographs) do we realize we’ve let things slip. Even then, we rarely have time to fret over the fact. Instead, we’re back to work, caring for others.
Our external attire is somewhat important—but God longs for us to pay close attention to a completely different type of clothing. He’s more interested in how we are dressed internally. Have we clothed ourselves with compassion? What about kindness? Are gentleness and patience a wardrobe “must”? These are the things the Lord checks out as we walk down the runway of our lives.
The next time you go to your closet to dress, take a moment to give God control of your inner wardrobe, too.
Dear Lord, I want to be clothed in kindness and compassion. I want my gentleness, patience, and humility evident to others. Clothe me today from the inside out.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)