What kind of clothes do Christians wear? Where can they be found? And how much do they cost? The Chief Apostle’s answer is surprising, “We already have them. Put them on.”
For the youth service conducted on Saturday, 6 June 2026 in Luanda, Angola, Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler based his sermon on Colossians 3: 12: “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.”
Old clothes versus new clothes
The context of the Bible text is interesting, the Chief Apostle said. Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Colossae because its members were no longer living as they should. Lying, deceit, and quarrelling had become commonplace among them. But how could he encourage them?
Colossae was known as a fashion centre in those days. Fabrics were dyed there, and clothes were made and sold. The Apostle therefore chose the following image in his letter. “They were to rid themselves of their old way of life as if it were an old garment—taking it off, casting it aside, and preferably throwing it away,” the Chief Apostle said. They were then to “put on a new way of life—the way Christians behave—as if it were beautiful new clothes.” Yet, taking off an old garment and setting it aside is not always easy. Some people have nothing else to wear, while others have grown attached to their favourite piece.
“It’s tricky with new clothes.” Many are spoilt for choice. There are so many different convictions, ideologies, and advisers. “It’s very simple, dear Christians: we dress as Christ does.” Some people cannot afford new clothes because they are too expensive. But “the garments of God, the garments of our Lord Jesus Christ, cost nothing”, the Chief Apostle said. Better still, “They have been in your wardrobe ever since your baptism and confirmation.” Through “the gift of the Holy Spirit, God has filled that wardrobe with these garments”. All that remains is to give the Holy Spirit the space He needs to work. “Open the wardrobe, take out the clothes, and put them on.”
The garments of Christ
“Now, let’s go through our wardrobe,” urged Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler. What do we find there?
Tender mercies. Sometimes it’s considered fashionable to be “cool” and walk right past someone because you don’t care. It broke Jesus’ heart and filled Him with deep compassion when He saw the widow of Nain whose son was being carried to his grave. “Just put that garment on and look around you—at your neighbours, your friends—to see where there is need, and then show compassion.”
Kindness. “Love in action.” This means listening, speaking kindly rather than gossiping, including rather than excluding, supporting, sharing, praying, edifying, and saying thank you. “When you put on this garment, you will set out to do good for others.”
Humility. The Lord Jesus humbled Himself. Although He lived in heaven, He willingly came to this earth—where there is pain, death, betrayal, and hatred—and walked the path all the way to the cross. “Please do put on this garment and bow down before every other person.” Believers are called to value others above themselves and to treat everyone with respect and honour.
Gentleness. Jesus was spat on, beaten, and scourged. Nevertheless, He prayed to His Father to forgive them. “Put on this garment, and you will no longer strike back when you are attacked.”
Patience. Peter lost faith while walking on the water towards Jesus. Later, he denied Jesus. In both instances, Jesus responded to Peter’s weakness and failure with kindness. He reached out His hand to save Him, and later He simply asked Peter, “Do you love Me.” “Let us all deal kindly with one another’s mistakes and forgive.”
“The garments are all there. We just have to put them on,” urged the Chief Apostle. Even if the clothes are still far too big, never mind—put them on anyway, because “you will grow into them”. And when the Lord Jesus comes, He will look at us and say, “My dear bride, how beautiful you are!” Then those garments will fit perfectly, like a tailormade suit or dress.”
Photo: INA Angola
