3Verse 1Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Verse 2Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth,Verse 3for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.Verse 4When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.Verse 5So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry.Verse 6Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.Verse 7You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them.Verse 8But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth.Verse 9Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practicesVerse 10and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.Verse 11Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.
Exhortation to Unity and Love
Verse 12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,Verse 13bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.Verse 14And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.Verse 15Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful.Verse 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God.Verse 17And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Exhortation to Households
Verse 18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.Verse 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.Verse 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.Verse 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened.Verse 22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.Verse 23Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,Verse 24because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.Verse 25For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.