How do we put on kindness (Colossians 3:12)?

In Colossians 3:12, the apostle Paul urges believers to put on kindness, along with compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience. He uses the metaphor of wearing new clothing to illustrate the change that occurs when someone becomes a follower of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we adopt a new identity in Christ, throwing off our “old sinful nature” and “former way of life, which is corrupted” and putting on our “new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:22–24, NLT; see also Romans 13:12–14; Colossians 3:5–10).

Putting on kindness means demonstrating goodness and uprightness toward others. In Colossians 3:12, “kindness” (chrēstotēta in the original Greek) is the moral quality of being warmhearted, considerate, humane, gentle, and sympathetic. It describes practical love in action, a love that thinks as much of others’ concerns as our own. Putting on kindness involves actively looking for opportunities to bless others through acts of compassion, even in small daily interactions.

When we put on kindness, it is more than a mere act; it is an inner attitude and a way of being. Kindness reflects God’s nature (see Jeremiah 9:24; Acts 14:17; Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4–5), encompassing empathy, generosity, and genuine concern for others. We must align our attitudes and actions with God’s character to truly show kindness. We must become imitators of God (see Ephesians 5:1), walking in His love (see Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14; John 13:34), being filled with His Spirit (see Ephesians 5:18), and letting Him guide our thoughts, words, and deeds (see Galatians 5:16–26).

Kindness is directly linked to compassion in Paul’s list of spiritual clothing. Compassion is the ability to feel for others and understand their struggles. Compassion moves us to act on behalf of others, just as God and Jesus have done (see Psalm 103:13–14; 145:8–9; Matthew 9:36). We can do this through comforting words, a helping hand, or simply being present. By nurturing compassion within ourselves, we foster a heart that is always ready to extend kindness.

Humility, gentleness, and patience are also linked to putting on kindness. When we humble ourselves like Christ, we become more receptive to the needs of others and more willing to serve them selflessly. Gentleness brings a tender touch to kindness. It softens our interactions and helps heal wounds. When we put on gentleness, we approach every situation with words and actions that uplift others rather than cause harm. Patience allows kindness to thrive in the face of adversity. We endure challenging situations and people without losing our temper or becoming discouraged. By practicing patience, we give others the grace to grow and the time to heal.

Forgiveness is also a crucial aspect of kindness. We face one of the biggest obstacles to showing kindness when we feel someone has wronged us. If we carry around our grievances, our garment of kindness gets pushed to the back of the closet. For this reason, Paul instructs us next to “make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13, NLT). Putting on kindness means learning to deal graciously with one another.

Ultimately, we are to put on love over all these virtues. Love serves as the overcoat that binds everything in our outfit together in perfect unity (see Colossians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Romans 13:10). The apostle Peter affirms, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

How do we put on kindness in a practical sense? We do it by giving others our full attention and showing genuine interest in their lives. We speak words that encourage and uplift and avoid harsh or judgmental language. We seek ways to help others, share resources, and offer support. We express appreciation for the kindness we receive. We forgive freely, let go of grudges, show mercy, and understand that kindness involves second chances.

Living out kindness will transform our hearts and the lives of those around us, creating a ripple effect of joy, peace, unity, and love. As we commit to wearing kindness daily, we reflect God’s love and inspire others to do the same. As followers of Christ, may we embrace kindness wholeheartedly, allowing it to shape our interactions and define our character so that we become true vessels of God’s grace in the world.