30 Mar 2025 Get your Easter outfit from the ‘Resurrection Shop’

By Donald Brazile

In the early days of the Christian church, baptisms were frequently celebrated at Easter, and all of the persons who were to be baptized wore spotless white robes as a sign of their new lives in Christ. Every year thereafter, they would wear their best clothes to commemorate the wonder of that Sunday, when they were baptized into their faith in Christ. In many ways, we still hold to this tradition, which is why you’ll see congregants wearing their “Sunday best” on Easter Sunday morning.

When Paul wrote his letter to the church at Colossae, he didn’t say, “Be sure to wear your newest robe and best sandals to worship each Sunday.” But he did say a lot about what one should wear, not just on Sundays, but every day of the week.

Follow me as I take a figurative walk through the Bible’s “Resurrection Shop,” which is found in Colossians 3:12-14, and look over the clothes from the section titled “righteousness” that Paul recommends we should “put on” each day. 

He starts off with “put on compassion.” Just look around your neighborhood, worksite, church or wherever you may be, and you’ll see why Paul started with this piece of essential clothing that should be worn daily. Do you know someone this Easter season who is sick or recovering from a recent surgery, or a young couple who need some time away from their endless load of responsibilities, or maybe an elderly person who lives next door? Slip on compassion and reach out and give a helping hand.

Kindness is displayed in the area near compassion, since it always adds color to a wardrobe and will never go out of style. If you often struggle with a small, greedy and self-centered (me, myself and I) lifestyle, be sure to pull this garment from the clothes rack and try it on. It is offered in many sizes, colors and designs, from a scarf or tie to a larger piece like an overcoat. There is an option to suit every need.

A few aisles down, you’ll see an item that is often offered at a reduced price because it is not as popular — patience. There’s not a lovelier garment anywhere; pick up a few extra pairs to endure the people nearest you.

There are several other designs that are in high demand in the “Resurrection Shop,” and I encourage you to visit Colossians in your local Bible or online and browse for yourself. That being said, in this shop you can’t purchase any of the items for someone else. Every piece of clothing must be custom-made to fit each individual at the time of purchase. (This applies to a skeptic, a new believer or an aged saint).

We could shop until we drop, but let’s rush to the checkout counter and, while we wait in line, jump to verse 14. The final advice given by Paul is that we should round out our wardrobe with — love. It is the accent piece of clothing that brings it all together. Love is in high demand and costs more than other items in the “Resurrection Shop.” 

Spiritual fashion designer Paul, in all his letters, reminds us that the spiritual clothing we wear today needs constant updating and replacing. The humility and patience you wore several months ago can unravel after a difficult week, month or year. Your compassion may receive a stain that will not come out if it is overused by a friend. And your kindness, like a pair of white tennis shoes, requires regular spot-checking. That’s why we must plan a quick run to do some holy shopping each week.

This Easter, wouldn’t it be nice if someone commented on your REAL Easter wardrobe? That is, wouldn’t it be nice if someone were to say, “Your kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much. Thank you for the card or the groceries you brought over the other day. It made a big difference for me and the kids. Thank you for inviting me to sit with you in the service. Your Easter outfit is glorious! What a cut, what a perfect fit! It seems to be tailored just for you.”

To which you can answer, “It was! It was bought and purchased at Calvary and at the empty tomb. It’s Easter clothing, from the ‘Resurrection Shop.’”