Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Romans 13:14

Paul tells us in Romans to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus has prepared a banquet feast for us – a wedding celebration. He is the bridegroom, and when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we become His bride. As we live our lives as Christians, we are to clothe ourselves with the character of Christ as we await His coming again. He will return for His bride, and there will be quite a celebration…for the wedding of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)

Paul writes that we must prepare ourselves for the return of the Lord and the end of this age. He tells the church to love one another, as love is the fulfillment of the law. He tells them to put aside the deeds of darkness as the day draws near. And finally, he tells them to clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ: Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14)

As the bride of Christ, the church is reminded that we are preparing ourselves for the return of our groom, Jesus Christ. We must not gratify our sinful nature, but clothe ourselves with the nature and love of Christ.

It is natural to want to satisfy our own needs and desires, sometimes at the expense of others, but Jesus is coming for a spotless and holy bride – one who looks like Himself and who is surrendered to His love: Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)

Heavenly Father,

Guide me in my preparation to be Your bride. Clothe me with Your nature and cleanse the attitude of my heart so that I can be Your holy bride, prepared for Your return.

In Jesus’ name, Amen