You are chosen, set apart and loved by God.

The main structure of this passage is fairly simple.

• The Mandate (verse 12 & 14) “Put on then... or clothe yourselves (NIV)”
• The Motive (verse 12) or the “why” - “as God’s chosen, holy, and dearly loved people”
• The Manner (verse 13) or “the way” - “bearing with and forgiving one another... just as the Lord has forgiven you”

God is Love. He created it. He evidenced it. He exampled it. He emanates it. Your love for God will be expressed by your love for people and vice-versa; they’re inseparable.

This kind of enemy-embracing love imitates the very character of God himself. This is how Jesus actually lived.