The Holy Spirit tells us to “put off” the old man and “put on the new.” He said we are to “put on” tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering (Colossians 3:12). It is a directive and we are responsible to action.
The fact that it is a choice indicates it does not come to us naturally. We will not be able to do it by will power alone. It is when we soak in God’s presence, continually live there, that we are able to put on tender mercy, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering.
The adhesive to these attitudes is love. Colossians calls it the “bond of perfection.” It is what causes us to show humility and treat others as Christ has treated us. God is the only true source for this spiritual glue. All other sources are tainted with self preservation and will not stand up under extreme stress.
