The Christian Life

12 Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved,(A) put on heartfelt compassion, kindness,(B) humility,(C) gentleness,(D) and patience,(E) 13 accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.(F) 14 Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called(G) in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful. 16 Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name(H) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Christ in Your Home

18 Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.(I)
19 Husbands,(J) love your wives(K) and don’t be bitter(L) toward them.
20 Children,(M) obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers,(N) do not exasperate(O) your children, so they won’t become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your human(P) masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.(Q)
23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically,[a] as something done for the Lord and not for men,(R)

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:23 Lit do it from the soul

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves(A) with compassion, kindness, humility,(B) gentleness and patience.(C) 13 Bear with each other(D) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.(E) 14 And over all these virtues put on love,(F) which binds them all together in perfect unity.(G)

15 Let the peace of Christ(H) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body(I) you were called to peace.(J) And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ(K) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom(L) through psalms,(M) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.(N) 17 And whatever you do,(O) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks(P) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households(Q)

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,(R) as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers,[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:21 Or Parents