Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Intentionality is a deliberate and purposive mental state of actions, thoughts, desires, beliefs and hopes that are directed towards achieving a particular objective or goal.
Love is the binding agent of the heart. It is the most essential piece of spiritual garment that we must put-on. Spiritual clothing is incomplete without the robe of love. Hence it is crucial to intentionally put on love. Unless we put on the garment of love we cannot forgive, be compassionate, kind, humble, meek or patient. All other virtues spring from love.
Queen Esther was in a dire predicament to stand before the king to plead for the lives of her people. Hence she put on her royal garments. On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall (Esther 5:1). Unlike her coronation ceremony when she was crowned as Queen of Persia, putting on her royal robes was not exciting. She was going to risk her life by walking into the Kings’ presence. But she put on the royal garments of love. Love is sacrificial. It is not selfish or self-seeking but rather selfless. Love leaves indelible marks of significance in the lives of others. Intentionally put on the garment of love.
Put on the garment of love:
1. Sacrificial: Love will make sacrificial deeds effortless. The garment of love makes us caring, compassionate and concerned about others. Esther intentionally and sacrificially put her life on the line by putting on the royal garments.
2. Selfless: Once we put on the garment of love we will stop thinking about our needs and start thinking of others.
3. Significant: The act of love will be casual and natural for those who are clothed in love. When we are clothed with love our responses and reactions will leave a significant impact in the lives of others. Esther is fondly remembered for clothing herself with love to save her people. Jews celebrate the festival of Purim even today and commemorate the sacrificial, selfless and significant act of love of Esther.
Above all, put on the garment of love – love is the outer elegant covering.
Prayer: Jesus my Saviour, give me the wisdom and the tenacity to put-on, put-off and put-to-death. Amen.
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