Colossians 3

New Life in Christ

1 Since you all been raised with Christ, aim for the things above, where Christ is, chilling at God’s right hand.

2 Keep your mind on heavenly things, not the stuff down here.

3 You are dead to this world, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is your life, shows up, you all are going to shine with Him in glory.

5 Kill off anything worldly in you: sexual sin, lust, greed (which is straight-up idolatry), and all that.

6 God’s wrath is coming because of this stuff.

7 You used to live like this back in the day.

8 But now, ditch all that: anger, rage, hate, gossip, and filthy talk.

9 Do not lie to each other. You threw off your old self with its dirty habits.

10 Put on your new self, which is getting upgraded with knowledge to be like God.

11 It does not matter if you are Greek, Jew, slave, free, or whatever, Christ is everything, and He is in all of us.

Christian Households

12 Since you are God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

13 Bear with each other and forgive like the Lord forgave you.

14 Above all, rock love, which ties everything together perfectly.

15 Let Christ’s peace rule in your hearts, since you all are one body. And be thankful.

16 Let God’s Word live in you richly. Teach and encourage each other with wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude to God.

17 Whatever you do, whether talking or working, do it all in Jesus’ name, thanking God the Father through Him.

18 Wives, respect your husbands as it fits with the Lord.

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

20 Kids, listen to your parents, it pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not provoke your kids, or they will get discouraged.

22 Servants, obey your earthly bosses in everything, not just when they are watching. Do it sincerely, as if working for the Lord.

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, like you are working for the Lord, not just people.

24 You know the Lord is going to hook you up with an inheritance as your reward. Christ is your real boss.

25 But if you are shady, you will face the consequences, God does not play favorites.