a poem I wrote:

Creative paraphrase of Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity

Though each of us differ in manifold ways
Our hearts can be clothed with compassion and praise
The intense profoundness of Agape love
Manifests itself in a humble, gentle spirit from above

Though each person is distinctly unique
We all can befriend one who is kind and meek
A friendship is squelched through conflict and strife
But patience and Forgiveness sustain its life

When clothed with unconditional love and acceptance
Humility, kindness, gentleness and patience
on stormy waters the peaceful dove emerges
bringing Divine Love which unifies, cleanses and purges

Even though we are different in so many ways
As with the variety of foods you see at buffets
a mismatch of colors striving to blend
clothed with virtue longing to mend