The Christian graces are here conceived of as clothing. You are to put on these graces and wear them as habitually as you put on and wear your clothes. Paul is not addressing a women's missionary society, he is speaking to men engaged in business—they are to wear these graces as they go about their daily business.

To some it may seem absurd to talk . But that is no reason why businessmen should sand over about these exalted graces in connection with business; they regard business as a cold, hard, matter-of-fact thing to which only a temper of severity is suited. It is true that business involves competition. But that is no reason why businessmen should stand over against one another like enemies. For men to be continually facing one another in an hostile attitude, with stern faces and drawn fists, cannot but have a corrosive effect upon their lives. Whatever advantages may be gained by this practice, if ever any, it cannot compensate one for the ill effects he suffers in consequence thereof.

The model businessman is he who, in the din and battle of the market and street, knows how to bear himself toward his fellows with justice, charity, kindliness, humility, gentleness, and good temper. In any case of complaint, he forbears and forgives. Yes, and forgets. He is not like the old man who had a case of complaint against a competitor. He was taken sick, and the doctor said he was going to die. His competitor called to see him and said, "My neighbor, I don't want you to die feeling hard towards me, and I have come to ask you to forgive me." The old man replied, "Well, if I die, I forgive you, but if I get well, I don't."

Ready to forgive any offense against him, the model businessman never willingly gives offense. Abraham Lincoln said on one occasion, "Gentlemen, so long as I have been in the White House I have never willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom." If every businessman followed this rule, what a difference it would make in the world of business.

If you want to get along and be happy in your business life, carry the Christian graces over into your business. Nowhere are these graces more appropriate, or more effective, than in the marts of trade and commerce.