There is a lovely documentary series on Netflix called Worn Stories in which varied people from astronauts to bar mitzvah students share stories associated with their clothing. Clothes reflect meaning, intention, reflection, designation—identity.
When I put on my grandmother’s sweater, I connect with her gentleness. When I put on my husband’s favorite shirt, I become more calm and reflective, as he was. When a professional individual puts on a crisp suit and polished shoes, there is specific intention. When our choir members put on robes, they become both individual leaders as well as one part of a whole. When a prisoner puts on the uniform of incarceration, the imprint of that “worn identity” has a different kind of impact.
When we “put on” something, we become that something and adopt its purpose. If Christ calls us to put on His traits of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, then as His disciple I must “put on” these attributes before I even step out the door. Check the hair, check the makeup—whoops, check the character of Christ. And above all, I must remember to put on His love.