READING "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience … Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3.12, 14
REFLECTION
Each day we choose what we are going to wear, and in some households people are making that choice for others, too.
For some people the choice in the daily decision about clothing may be reduced due to the necessity of a uniform. For others there is more freedom, and the choice of clothes is likely to be affected by the various tasks and events of the day.
The next story of everyday faith comes from Gem and is sparked by a party invitation. The wider story of Sarah’s party will have involved friends choosing what to wear to Sarah’s party, and for some of them this might have been quite time-consuming and even a source of anxiety amid an awareness of how easily we can be judged by our clothing. However, rather than focusing on the external appearance of Gem, Sarah and their friends, this snippet of story directs our eyes to Gem’s “inner clothing” and her attitude towards Sarah.
In Gem’s final decision to attend Sarah’s party we see something of Gem’s endeavour to “put on love”.
RESPONSE
How do you hope people will respond to what you are wearing today, whether from choice or necessity?
Reflect on what “clothing yourself with love” might look like to those you encounter today in the different places where you will be.
Visit the Church of England website to find #EverydayFaith prayers to start and end your day and short prayers in midst of everyday life.
Bible readings are taken from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
