Winds of Change - Part 2

Text: Colossians 3:1-4; 12-14Paul writes to believers telling them what is important to us as believers and as the body of Christ.Christian Character:1. Compassion-describes a person having a sensitivity toward others.Two Keys to Compassion:*Cannot be haughty*Cannot be isolated from others2. Kindness-describes a person with a helpful spirit which seeks to meet the needs of others.3. Humility-to think lowly; the esteeming of one's self as small. "True humility is evidenced in the subjection of self under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ."  -  Vines4. Gentleness-in the New Testament is used of genuine consideration for others.   5. Patience-a state of calm and quietness in the face of a difficult circumstance.  "Continue to put up with others, remembering the Lord's longsuffering with you."  Spurgeon6. Bearing with one another-means to put up with someone; to hold out in spite of complaints or indifference.I Corinthians 4:12- "and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure…"7. Forgiveness-to release from a debt.  To give freely and unconditionally or to bestow as a gift of grace.        *It means we are not to bring up to the person whom we have forgiven the thing we forgave.      *That we do not tell anybody about the matter that is forgiven.8. Love-refers to our seeking to do for others.  This would include helping those within the body for the purpose of demonstrating and maintaining unity.