What Should You Wear on Your Heart Each Day

Hey carpool crew, whether you're lacing up your shoes for the day or still in your pajamas, I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. Let me ask you something. What did you put on this morning? A hoodie, your favorite T-shirt, flip flops. Well, today's verse isn't about shirts or shoes. It's about what we're supposed to put on in our hearts every single day, because when you follow Jesus, the way you treat people matters, and it starts on the inside. Let's look at Colossians chapter three, verse 12. Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This letter was written by the Apostle Paul while he was still in prison. He was writing to believers in a town called Colossae, helping them understand how to live like Jesus in everyday life. Paul reminds them that they are chosen by God, not forgotten, not random, chosen. And because of that, they're supposed to live differently, not to earn God's love, but because they're already loved. Paul says, put on five things: compassion, caring when someone's hurt; kindness, doing good even when it's not returned; humility, not needing to be the biggest deal; gentleness, using a soft tone even when you're mad; patience, staying calm when things take too long. Kind of like getting dressed each day, Paul is saying, start your day by choosing the kind of heart you're going to wear. If Jesus were hanging out with you today, maybe while you're brushing your teeth or packing your lunch, I'd think he'd say something like, you are deeply loved, so live like it. Jesus doesn't say be perfect. He says, walk with me. Wear your heart. Love people like I do. He knows you're going to have tough moments, but he also gives you everything you need to try again, love well, and reflect his kindness. So how can you put on these qualities this week? Well, compassion: if a sibling is having a rough day or a friend in the neighborhood is having a rough day, or even if mom or dad is having a rough day, stop and ask how you can help. Don't just act like everything's fine. Take a moment and talk. Kindness: hold doors, say thank you, share your stuff. Kindness is love in action. Humility: let someone else go first. Let someone else pick the game or the movie, even if it might be your turn. Let someone else go first. Gentleness: if you're frustrated, use a soft voice. Gentleness is strength under control. Patience: when your siblings or your friends are slow or your game won't load, take a breath. Ask Jesus to help you instead of snapping. When you wear these things, you don't just look more like Jesus. You help others see him too. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love today's podcast, tell the kid's pastor at your church about it. They may want to share it with more families at your church. Before you go answer this question together, which one of those heart clothes do you think God wants you to wear more this week? And how can you put it on each day? Remember, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.