²⁰ Since you died with Christ^(A) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(B) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^{(C) 21} “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish^(D) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.^{(E) 23} Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility^(F) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(G) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(H) 2} Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^{(I) 3} For you died,^(J) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[a] life,^(K) appears,^(L) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(M)

⁵ Put to death,^(N) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(O) sexual immorality,^(P) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(Q) which is idolatry.^{(R) 6} Because of these, the wrath of God^(S) is coming.^{[b] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^{(T) 8} But now you must also rid yourselves^(U) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(V) and filthy language from your lips.^{(W) 9} Do not lie to each other,^(X) since you have taken off your old self^(Y) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(Z) which is being renewed^(AA) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^{(AB) 11} Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(AC) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(AD) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(AE) but Christ is all,^(AF) and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(AG) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(AH) gentleness and patience.^{(AI) 13} Bear with each other^(AJ) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^{(AK) 14} And over all these virtues put on love,^(AL) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(AM)