Colossians 3:12-13
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text calls believers "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved," not just as a title, but as the reason why these virtues are fitting, like clothing for a royal personage. It's not just about having these qualities, but about embodying the identity God has given you.
Paul is continuing his argument about how believers are transformed by Christ, urging them to shed their old way of life and embrace their new identity. Having just described the unity found in Christ that transcends all divisions, he now calls them to actively live out that unity through specific virtues. This verse flows directly from the previous instruction, demanding that these "new creation" qualities must be put on, just as old, sinful habits were "put off."
Before we even get to the 'what to do,' Paul reminds us of the 'who we are.' This isn't just a nice intro; it's the bedrock of everything that follows.
Your Divine Identity
Paul kicks off this list of virtues by reminding the Colossians (and us!) of their core identity: "as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved." This isn't earned; it's a gift.
This powerful identity is the 'why' behind the 'what' of Christian living. It's the source of our strength and the motivation for our actions.
Paul doesn't just list virtues; he uses a powerful metaphor of clothing. What does it mean to 'put on' these inner qualities?
The Inner Garments
Paul uses the powerful image of clothing to describe how these virtues should be integrated into our lives. It’s not just about having good thoughts, but about embodying them.
Understand the original words
eklektos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Those whom God has sovereignly selected, set apart, and destined for salvation and participation in His kingdom.
hagios · Greek Adjective
Set apart for God’s exclusive use; possessing a moral and spiritual state of purity and dedication to His service.
agapaō · Greek Verb (participle)
The object of God's divine, self-giving, and sacrificial love (agapē); those whom He cherishes.
splagchnon · Greek Noun
The inward expression of mercy, pity, and deep feeling for the suffering of others; the root of biblical compassion.
This passage lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes many of the same virtues like kindness, gentleness, and self-control, highlighting their divine origin and importance for Christian living.
Ephesians 4:32Paul directly connects being 'kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving' with God forgiving us, echoing the compassionate and forgiving spirit called for in Colossians.
1 Peter 2:9This verse calls believers 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,' mirroring the 'chosen, holy, and beloved' identity in Colossians and underscoring the character expected of God's people.
Romans 12:10Here, believers are exhorted to 'love one another with brotherly affection' and 'outdo one another in showing honor,' reflecting the humility and mutual regard emphasized in Colossians.
Matthew 5:5Jesus's teaching on the beatitudes declares 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,' linking the virtue of meekness with a divine promise and showing its significance throughout Scripture.
barnesColossians 3:12: "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"
Put on, therefore, as the elect of God - The fact that you thus belong to one and the same church; that you have been redeemed by the sameblood, and chosen by the same grace, and that you are all brethren, should lead you to manifest a spirit of kindness, gentleness, and love. Bowels of mercies - Notes, Philippians 2:1. Kindness ... - See the note…
meyerColossians 3:12: "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"
Colossians 3:12 . οὖν ] for these virtues are in keeping with the νέος ἄνθρωπος , according to what has been said in Colossians 3:11 ; it would be a contradiction to have put on the new man, and not to have put on these virtues. The new moral condition , into which ye have entered by your conversion, passing thereby into the fellowship of equality…
The text calls believers "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved," not just as a title, but as the reason why these virtues are fitting, like clothing for a royal personage. It's not just about having these qualities, but about embodying the identity God has given you.
Paul is continuing his argument about how believers are transformed by Christ, urging them to shed their old way of life and embrace their new identity. Having just described the unity found in Christ that transcends all divisions, he now calls them to actively live out that unity through specific virtues. This verse flows directly from the previous instruction, demanding that these "new creation" qualities must be put on, just as old, sinful habits were "put off."
Paul is continuing his argument about how believers are transformed by Christ, urging them to shed their old way of life and embrace their new identity. Having just described the unity found in Christ that transcends all divisions, he now calls them to actively live out that unity through specific virtues. This verse flows directly from the previous instruction, demanding that these "new creation" qualities must be put on, just as old, sinful habits were "put off."
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These aren't just abstract concepts. They are practical ways we are to live out our identity as God's chosen people. Just as we put on clothes each day to face the world, we are to 'put on' these Christ-like qualities.
The list continues with qualities that might seem passive, but are actually incredibly powerful in Christian community.
The Strength of Gentle Virtues
Paul rounds out the list with virtues that are essential for enduring relationships and maintaining spiritual integrity:
These virtues are not just for show; they are the fabric that holds Christian community together, allowing believers to live in unity and bear with one another as Christ bore with us.
chrēstotēs · Greek Noun
The divine quality of being useful or gentle; reflecting God's benevolence toward humanity.
tapeinophrosynē · Greek Noun
The virtue of recognizing one's true standing before God and others; the opposite of pride.
prautēs · Greek Noun
A mildness of temper and gentle strength; the ability to endure injury with patience and without retaliation.
makrothumia · Greek Noun
Self-restraint in the face of provocation; the ability to bear with difficult people or circumstances for an extended time.
charizomai · Greek Verb
The active, voluntary remission of an offense; modeled directly upon God's gracious action in Christ toward sinners.
"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you…" — The text calls believers "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved," not just as a title, but as the reason why these virtues are fitting, like clothing for a royal personage. It's not just about *havin…
