The Fitting Room: Putting On the Character of Christ

by Kelly Minter

Colossians 3:12 tells us to “clothe” ourselves in Christian virtues such as forgiveness, joy, patience, and compassion . But how does that work in real life? Can we really “dress up” in the character of Christ? Kelly Minter says the answer is yes—if we let the Master Designer do the fitting.

This relatable book offers insightful Scripture study with real-life stories and simple, down-to-earth explanations of the tricky concepts of justification and sanctification—stitching it all together with dry humor and honesty. There are no gimmicks, no guilt trips, just an irresistible invitation for women to enjoy a spiritual makeover—to put on a life that’s personally tailored by the One who knows and loves them best.
 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Kelly Minter is passionate about God’s Word and believes it permeates all of life. The personal healing and steadfast hope she’s found in the pages of Scripture fuel her passion to connect God’s Word to our everyday lives. When she’s not writing or teaching, you can find her tending her garden, taking a walk with friends, cooking for her nieces and nephews, riding a boat down the Amazon River, or walking through a Moldovan village with Justice & Mercy International. Kelly holds a master’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Denver Seminary.

A few of Kelly’s past Bible studies and books include: Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This; Encountering God: Cultivating Habits of Faith through the Spiritual Disciplines; and The Blessed Life: A 90-Day Devotional through the Miracles and Teachings of Jesus. To see a full list of Kelly’s Bible studies and books, visit kellyminter.com/store.

Reviews

[Brooke]

I cannot stress enough how important this book was (is) to me. It took me at least a month to get through it - that never happens. I had to go back and re-read chapters and really pray about the conviction weighing on my heart throughout this book. A-MAZING. I see it as a must read for everyone who strives to live out the virtues of Christ. It's something I'll definitely continue to refer back to often!

[Mary Ann]

The Fitting Room teaches us about Putting On The Character Of Christ. The book is based on Colossians 3:12 that says "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience".

Kelly Minter uses the analogy of fashion as a way of relating how we wear the 'virtues'... but she is quick to point out that "The Christian virtues are not something we can slap on ourselves like cutout paper dolls. They come as a result of heart change that is accomplished through the supernatural love of Jesus."

I thought this was a great book, well written in a personal way. I could relate to much of what Kelly was sharing... because I have experienced it myself. She points out how our we become focused more on managing our behavior rather than promoting inward transformation.

After the first few pages, I was hooked. When she says that we can never separate the qualities of God from God Himself, I felt the conviction. She talks of how we view godly character as something we can obtain if we just try harder. Oh... how often I've been there! The way we tell ourselves that we'll do better next time, be more patient, hold our tongue, or just use the virtues at will... as if it's something we can do on our own.

So much to learn in this book... I think it could be used in a small group as well. Kelly Minter makes it easy to read and enjoyable as well. I think you'll enjoy it.

*I received this book for free from The B&B Media Group for my honest review.

[Sunflower]

"The Fitting Room" is a very down to earth, discussion, one may have with a close friend or at bible study about putting the "character of Christ" as we go through our daily lives.
Short chapters, laidback style, engaging anecdotal stories and scripture, "The Fitting Room" talks about the clothing of our character that is shown in and through Jesus Christ.
This is a book that discusses that, yes, life isn't going to be perfect, we're not going to be perfect, but Jesus Christ, through what He has done, is enough to clothed us in His image, not ours.
It's about the realities that we're going to have our ups and downs, there's going to be days when our coffee orders may come out wrong or the washer and dryer decides to go out at the same time, but what "The Fitting Room" does is not only share stories and words of encouragment, but remind us that life isn't going to be perfect, but by following in our Father's footsteps, His grace is definitely sufficent for us.
Written in a style that for the working mom, the busy stay at home and just the Christian sister who finds herself trying to balance everything, this isn't a book about impossibilties but a book about realities, that no matter what storms are in our lives, to encourage, strengthen and help us develop a strong character of compassion, strength and gentleness in and through Jesus Christ.
Kelly Minter really hits the point what, sadly, many Christians, these days doesn't experience, when she shares in Chapter One,

"There are others who are all too aware of the characteristics of godliness but want nothing to do with them, because they were taught such virtues by people who didn’t actually live by those principles. For them, the notion of godly character was flaunted by hypocrites, self-righteous leaders, or possibly angry parents, and they haven’t wanted a piece of its polyester since.
Yes, a lot of damage has been done in the name of God and Christian virtue; people have been clothed by reckless tailors. However, one of my greatest hopes is that if this has been your experience, you will give the discovery of authentic godliness another look, because biblical virtues are not punitive but life-giving."

"The Fitting Room" goes straight to the heart of what having the character of Christ is about and doesn't promise, read this and overnight, but rather....is about having trust, faith, encouragement and even committment to allow Christ to work in and through us.
This is a great book for those who may find themselves, disillusioned, harried or just plain exhausted and in need of not religion, but a relationship with Jesus Christ.

[Rebecca Grace ✨]

Lol I have been reading this book since JULY 😂😱I FINALLY finished it!

A few thoughts:

I picked this up because I loved the Bible study Kelly Minter did on 2nd Corinthians called All Things New. That is such a great study! Unfortunately, this book didn't quite live up to it.

For one, it was kind of boring, and I had a hard time continuing to read it (as evidenced by it taking me 6 months to finish 😂). The chapters don't really flow into each other, so for me I would read one chapter, put it down, and not pick it up for another month.

My biggest issue with this book was, I felt like it had a lot of stories and not a lot of depth. Don't get me wrong, there were some really good points here and there, and the two chapters on forgiveness I really loved. But besides that, I felt that there were a lot of descriptions in her stories that made them unnecessarily long. They kind of felt like filler stories to me. I don't mind pushing through a long story if it is going to end with some deep spiritual meaning, but they all fell flat for me. This book honestly could have been half the length.

So, there were good points and bad with this book. I'm not sure if I would recommend it, but I would recommend the All Things New Bible study! I'm sad I didn't like this more...I really tried to! 😢

[Abbie Riddle]

Struggling with self-image? Have you ever wondered what true beauty is? Tired of trying to meet the world's standards of beauty? When you look in the mirror what do you see?

Come learn how God sees you and become the image bearer of the Great Designer. Be clothed in His glory and beauty. Become the woman you have always wanted to be - stunning, beautiful, breath-taking, lovely! Throw out that old wardrobe and exchange it for a heavenly one!

Based on Colossians 2 Kelly Minter encourages readers to clothe themselves in Godly things. Her casual and authentic writing style makes the reader feel as if they are sitting with an old friend. I believe this book would be excellent for a small group bible study. All women struggle with some form of insecurity (though some hid it very well behind a mask of perfection). In the fourteen chapters of this book Kelly addresses the many lies of this world that have convinced us that we must look, dress, and act a certain way to be accepted. Kelly replaces those lies with the Word of God and teaches ladies that we to must clothe ourselves in God's Word.

I highly recommend this book for all women.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

[Deborah]

This book really helped me deal with some issues as the holidays approached. Minter is easy to read and will make you smile even as she hits close to home on certain subjects. I think this would be a great book for a group discussion. I know there is one question posed in the discussion section that I would love to have group input on: "What is the relationship between patience and mercy? In what ways are you lacking in mercy, and therefore in patience?" Impatience is something I've been working on for years, so answering this question may be exactly what I need to make some progress. Whatever virtue you are most lacking--humility, kindness, joy, peace, patience, forgiveness or compassion, this little book will give you some ideas for trying on the character of Christ.

[Courtney Lyman]

When a non-fiction Christian book is written as if it's a friend chatting over coffee, I often feel like there were deep issues that were missed or glossed over, but when it's written in an academic way, it can feel like homework. Kelly Minter has a way of combining the two in a wonderful way that leaves you with a deeper understanding, but feels like you spent time with a good friend. "The Fitting Room" is a wonderful study on leaving legalism behind while still pursuing the virtues of Christ. Excellent read!

[Adrianne]

Great book for small groups! Kelly Minter does an excellent job of not just talking about the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12 but she also breaks down the entire verse from start to finish. What does it mean to be chosen, dearly loved, justified, and holy. She's witty and graceful in the way she writes...and most importantly it's full of truth. I would highly recommend this for small groups and even to read as an individual.

[Lauren Hughes]

I knew by chapter 3 that I would read this book more than once. God has blessed Kelly with the gift of writing words of wisdom and truth. So many items, I thought questions about a particular truth she mentioned only to have her ask the same question a few lines later--then answer it! I have recommended this book to several people even before I finished it. This book is so worth the read!

[Christi]

Amazing. Kelly is so honest about herself that it's more like having a conversation with a good friend than reading a book. Her insights are helpful and you can feel her love coming through her words.

[Jill]

One of the inCourage Bloom Book Club books - I appreciate that she discusses putting on the character of Christ in the context of God's work in us to transform us.

[Barbara]

Enjoyed because of it's simplicity. Kelly did not sugar coat the truth that she struggles with these characteristics of Christ in her own life. Will be on my to read again list!

[Sharon]

I absolutely adore Kelly Minter's writing style. She is down to earth and very real, and her use of written language is beautiful. The style alone makes this a pleasurable book to read. However, the content is what makes it excellent. She brings the practicality of living this Christian life into the real world. Knowing that we are chosen and made holy by Him establishes the foundation for clothing ourselves in the virtues of Christ. She then explores each attribute in detail and in a way that we can't wait to put it into practice. I love the real life stories and examples as well as her solid interpretation of Scripture. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and Bible teachers!

[Kathy]

Kelly Minter has an enjoyable writing style. Her observation of life provides great insights from a fun and witty perspective. Each chapter takes on a character quality that we are to "put on" in our responses to life.

My book club slowly read this book as we simultaneously read novels that exemplified (positively or negatively) the character quality. This was a great approach as it gave us meaty discussions around the fictional novels.

[Tim]

I enjoy Minter's writing, even if this book seems to assume an entirely female audience and the self-deprecating humor became a bit overdone by the end. I picked it up as free e-book and was interested in how she would talk about Colossians 3. The book offers a solid exposition of the meaning of the various words the chapter contains and a challenge to put on that new self. Perhaps not enough church in the talk of discipleship, but good nonetheless.

[Cmhwolfe]

Reading this for an in home weekly study with 6 other women. I find that Kelly Minter has a fresh voice and has an amazing way of taking the WORD and showing how it applies to the modern world. I look forward to completing this study.

[Michelle Walker]

This book takes apart Colossians 3:12, which tells us to "clothe" ourselves in virtues like peace, patience, kindness, forgiveness and compassion. I like her style of writing, and her warmth and humor made this a pleasure to read.

[Amy]

what a remarkable book about the characteristics of Christ. I felt like it was easy to read and she had a lot of humor. Made me feel like these things are achievable and would recommend this book to any christian, new or not.

[Melody Raines]

I downloaded this as a free ebook, and I'm grateful for the gift. I thought it was a Bible study, though, so I was a little disappointed to find that it was a regular book. Kelly's a good writer with a tender soul. This would be a good gift for a friend with an artist's heart.

[Angie]

Very well done. Insightful. Thought-provoking. Challenging. Doctrinally sound. I definitely recommend this book - for men as well as for women. I look forward to reading more of Kelly Minter's work.

[Denise]

I had a little trouble getting into this book, but as I read more I was continually encouraged and drawn into it. I loved her writing style and complete honesty. She shared lows and highs and how life is a combination, even as we're growing closer to Christ.

[Elisha]

I loved this book. The authors straight-forward approach and honesty were very refreshing. She goes thru the different characteristics of Christ and tackles the topics of legalism and "do goodism". I would definitely read this again and would love to do it as a group study.

[Melissa]

A couple chapters I think she could have been more outward focused instead of mostly just telling us her experience, but overall I really learned a lot about myself and what God has done for me and how I can live out these virtues because of Him.

[Tammy Mannarino]

I find Kelly Minter to be a very relatable author. She shares insights in an easily accessible and interesting manner, creating an intimate relationship between writer and reader. I'm sure that I will find myself reading more of her work.

[Chrystal Mahan]

Kelly Minter has a great sense of humor and style of writing.

[Donna Key]

I LOVED this book! Kelly's writing is great. She was funny when she needed to be and serious when it was warranted.

[Linda]

You will feel spiritually renewed and inspired!

[Katie Casey]

I love Kelly Minter's conversational writing style and how she peppers this inspirational book with both formal Bible teaching as well as fun personal stories from her own experiences.

[Julie]

Great book about becoming more like Christ!

[Kelly]

I'm not sure when I finished this, but it was a good read.