Living Worthy of the Name

Living Worthy of the Name || Colossians 3:12–17 (NIV)
Evangelist Hollywood (Denise) Barrett-Abraham

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity… And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Reflection

To carry the name of Christ is both a gift and an invitation. Paul reminds us in this passage that we are already chosen, holy, and dearly loved—not because of our perfection, but because of God’s grace. Yet, because we carry His name, God is continually shaping how we live, how we respond, and how we reflect Him to others.

This season of Lent invites us to pause and consider what God may be fixing or healing within us. Sometimes it is our patience that needs strengthening. Sometimes it is our humility that needs restoring. Sometimes it is our willingness to forgive AND forget. These are not signs of failure, but evidence that God is still forming Christ within us. He is teaching us to “put on” compassion, kindness, and love—not as something artificial or fake, but as something that flows from a surrendered humble heart.

Living worthy of His name means allowing His peace to rule our hearts, especially in moments when frustration, pride, or hurt would otherwise take over. It means choosing forgiveness when it feels easier to hold on to offense. It means allowing gratitude to replace entitlement. God is healing the places where we have become hardened, and He is restoring our ability to reflect His love with sincerity and grace.

This passage calls us to a quiet but powerful obedience. It asks us to live with intention~to let every word, every interaction, and every decision reflect the One whose name we bear. Where do you need God’s help to live more fully in His character? Where is He inviting you to release resentment, embrace humility, or extend grace?

Today, receive His invitation. You do not have to fix yourself. Simply surrender, and allow God to shape your heart so that your life becomes a truly consistent reflection of His name.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for choosing us and calling us Your own. Forgive us for the moments when our words and actions have not reflected Your love. Heal the places in our hearts where pride, impatience, or unforgiveness have taken root. Teach us to clothe ourselves with compassion, humility, and kindness. Let Your peace rule within us, and guide us to live in a way that honors Your name. Shape us, restore us, and align us with Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.