Read Colossians 3:12–14. This interactive message can be done with or without props. If using props, you’ll need a suitcase and some of the clothing and items you’d typically pack for camp.

To get ready for a week at camp, you must pack lots of things, right? Let’s see what I’ve got in here.

[Pull things out of a real or pretend suitcase.] I have my favorite sweatshirt, my Bible, my flashlight, my toothbrush . . . [other examples] What are some of the things you packed for camp? Well, this might come as a surprise, but God also packed a few things for you. [Optional: Pull pieces of paper with these words on them out of your real or imagined suitcase.]

God packed kindness, humbleness, calmness, and forgiveness for you. You may not have noticed them in your suitcase, but God knew you would need them. Oh, and most importantly, God knew you would need LOVE. So, God sent that with you too. God’s love goes with you wherever you go!

Our theme at camp this summer is WEAR LOVE. It’s based on our theme verse from Colossians 3:12–14. Paul tells us that God has picked out a wardrobe for us and clothes us with love. It’s a way to think of how God prepares us to be disciples of Jesus. So, I want you to pretend we’re getting dressed with these clothes from God. I’m going to read the theme verse line by line and slowly. And I’m going to show you some actions that can go with it.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love . . . Okay, during this first part, we’re going to hug our body nice and tight with both arms. Try it with me. [Give yourself a hug.] This is to remind ourselves that we’re loved and chosen by God. Here’s the next part.

. . . dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you . . . When you hear these words, I want you to pretend you’re picking out an outfit from your closet. Try reaching out your hand like you’re grabbing your favorite shirt. [Practice pulling clothes out of imaginary closet.]

. . . compassion, forgiveness, humility, quiet strength, discipline . . .During this line, let’s pretend we’re putting on a pair of pants—your favorite pair. [Practice]

Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Okay, now we’re putting on a really comfy shirt. [Practice]

Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. Quickly put on your socks and shoes! [Practice]

And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. During this part, I want you to pretend that you are putting on the coziest sweater of all time. This is the softest material you have ever felt. It fits you perfectly. We put on our socks and shoes quickly, but we’re going to put this sweater on slowly. It might not feel like sweater weather today, but this sweater seems to fit every occasion. [Practice]

And when we say, “Never be without it,” I want you to end by giving yourself one more big hug to remember how much God loves you. [Practice]

In many ways, love is like that cherished piece of clothing. It’s something we first receive from God, lovingly woven into our hearts by the One who loved us before we even knew what love was. Our lives become transactions of love, sharing and receiving the love of God with all we meet. Much like threads are woven to become a garment, that sharing of love connects us to the people around us. Love isn’t just an action or a feeling—it’s woven into the fabric of who we are because it’s who God is. Love is central to everything in Scripture and at the heart of why God acts in our lives. Why does God do what God does? Because God loves us. And what does God ask of us in return? To love—love God, love others, love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-29). It sounds simple, but living it out is anything but easy.

Just as clothes wear down over time, so can life wear us down. Relationships can fray, and we may feel worn thin by the weight of daily struggles. Love, like clothing, requires ongoing care. It calls for humility, attention, and the healing work of forgiveness when things are torn. That’s why, in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he urges the believers—and us—to reflect God’s love through virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, even-temperedness, and forgiveness. These qualities, Paul reminds us, bind everything together in perfect harmony. We are called to embody these virtues not because we are perfect, but because Christ has set us free. So, for the Colossians community and us, Paul makes clear how love can bind us with God.

Further on in the chapter Paul’s words on Christian households were written in comparison to Roman society where power and authority were concentrated at the top, often with little regard for the dignity of those lower in status—such as women, children, and enslaved people. Paul’s vision of a Christian household was radically different. Paul broke away from the typical power structures of the Roman home by placing love, respect, and mutual care at the center of every relationship. This equalizing vision included not just members of the family but also people of the lowest status being seen and named. Unfortunately, Paul’s words have been misused throughout history to uphold inequality and deny others their God-given dignity. It is important to remind ourselves and staff to read this passage carefully, always keeping in mind the radical love that Paul was calling for—a love rooted in God’s grace, justice, and peace.

Following Christ’s example, we see that what the world often considers weakness—compassion, gentleness, forgiveness—is the mark of true power. God’s radical, reckless love turns the world upside down, offering freedom and healing to all.

So go out—and wear love!