By Angela M. Thomas

We as Christians do have problems. We all have difficult people to deal with, and sometimes the difficult person is ourselves. How do others see you? Are you complaining about how much you do for others and how little credit you get? Do you have a record of wrongs in your head about those who have hurt you and don’t deserve to be forgiven? Are you constantly downcast and knocking yourself in hope that others will boost your ego?

The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:5 to “put to death” our old selves, to take off the old clothes and put on the new. What old clothes do you have to take off? When we buy new clothes, we don’t put them on over the old. We first take off the old and then put on the new. Sometimes, in our Christian lives we often ignore this principle and try to jam a new life on top of our old habits. We must take off the old and put on the new clothes of love, forgiveness, patience, helpfulness, compassion, humility, kindness, and peace.

Maybe you need some new clothes? Could you use some heartfelt kindness, some flowing gentleness, some genuine humility, unconditional love? I believe we all would look and feel better wearing a wide belt of love which would bind us together in perfect unity. Or perhaps we could all use a pocket full of peace placed over our harden hearts. Maybe we can all use a brand new pair of shoes filled with compassion and forgiveness of others.

Certainly not all of us are alike, have the same style, enjoy the same things or think or act alike. On the other hand, differences can be very beneficial and enriching. They can force us out of our comfort zones and cause us to stretch and grow. They can challenge us to be better than we have been, do more than we have done and pursue higher goals that we had previously set for our lives. It is when we allow hatred, anger, sin, resentment, or bitterness to creep into our hearts, mind and soul, that we are in danger of destroying relationships and ourselves.

What are your needs today? A hat of kindness, a wallet of patience, a wide belt of love, a pocket of peace, a pair of shoes with forgiveness and compassion? Or do you need the whole new wardrobe?

Angela M. Thomas is a certified speaker and has written and published eight Inspirational books. Also, she just released her new Audio CD titled “Let Me Love You”. To book Angela, please call (305)793-1347 or Visit: http://www.AngelaMThomas.com