Colossians 3:12-21

Contemporary English Version

^12 (A) God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. ^13 (B) Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. ¹⁴ Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

¹⁵ Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. ^16 (C) Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. ¹⁷ Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.

Some Rules for Christian Living

^18 (D) A wife must put her husband first. This is her duty as a follower of the Lord.

^19 (E) A husband must love his wife and not abuse her.

^20 (F) Children must always obey their parents. This pleases the Lord.

^21 (G) Parents, don't be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up.