Made New: A 15–Day Devotional on Colossians 3 With Jada EdwardsSample

Your identity governs your approach to life. In today’s devotional, Jada unpacks Colossians 3:12, which encourages us to live in our new identity in Christ.

Reflect

Last time, we discussed old behaviors and attitudes we need to put to death so we can live for Christ. In verse 12, Paul explains that we now should put on our new identity as “God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved.” What does it mean to you that God chose you? What emotions do you feel as you realize that God dearly loves you?

The fact that God declared us holy, Jada said, is weighty. We can’t just become holy on our own—we need God to change us from the inside out. And when we are changed, our motivations and desires morph from self-centered to others-centered. In what ways have you noticed a positive change in how you react to difficult people or circumstances? How could you reflect God’s heart toward others more in your daily life?

Jada connected Colossians 3:12 to Galatians 5:22–23, which lists the fruit of the Spirit—qualities that will show up in a person yielded to God. As you submit to your new role as God’s chosen, holy child, you will learn to love what He loves, and your character will look more like His. Which quality in Galatians 5:22–23 do you want to see more of in your life?

Respond

Jada reminded us that when a prince ascends to the throne, he begins to look and act like a king because that is his new identity. So it is with us. We should “clothe” ourselves to reflect our new identity.

Choose one or two qualities in verse 12 that you want to grow in. Be intentional over the next few days to look for opportunities to express this quality in your relationships and circumstances.