Colossians 3:12-13
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The verse doesn't just list virtues; it grounds them in identity. Paul urges believers to "put on" these qualities because they are God's "chosen, holy, and beloved," meaning these virtues naturally flow from who God says they are. This isn't about trying harder to become good, but about expressing the goodness that God has already placed within them.
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)
Having just described how believers have "put on" Christ and the "new self" which is being renewed in God's image, Paul now calls them to actively live out that new identity. He urges them to clothe themselves with specific virtues, like compassion and humility, as a natural and consistent outflow of their identity as God's chosen, holy, and beloved people. This immediately sets the stage for the practical application of their faith in how they treat one another in the following verses.
Why does Paul start by reminding believers they are 'chosen, holy, and beloved' before listing virtues? It's not just a nice pat on the back; it’s the foundation for everything that follows.
Paul reminds the Colossians of their identity in Christ: they are God's 'chosen ones,' 'holy,' and 'beloved.' This isn't earned; it's a gift from God. This profound truth isn't just for comfort; it's the motivation and the power for living out the Christian life.
A New Identity
When we're united with Christ, we're set apart (holy) and deeply loved by God. This isn't a status we achieve, but a reality bestowed upon us.
The 'Therefore' Connection
The word 'therefore' (οὖν) at the beginning of the verse is crucial. It links this identity directly to the virtues that follow. Because you are chosen, holy, and beloved, you should live accordingly. This isn't about earning your status, but about reflecting the new reality God has given you.
The list of virtues starts with 'compassionate hearts.' What does this really mean, and how is it different from just being nice?
Paul doesn't just tell us to act a certain way; he calls for a transformation of our inner selves. The phrase 'bowels of mercies' (or 'heart of compassion') points to the deepest emotions and affections.
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The Core of Compassion
This isn't a superficial kindness. It's a deep, visceral empathy—a heartfelt concern that originates from our innermost being, like the 'bowels' (often seen as the seat of emotions in ancient thought).
From Within, Outward
This inner disposition then naturally flows into the outward actions Paul lists: kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. True compassion isn't just putting on a good show; it's a genuine care that moves us to act kindly towards others, even when it's difficult.
Kindness, humility, meekness, patience – these aren't random additions. They form a beautiful, consistent pattern for the new life in Christ.
Paul lays out a series of virtues that, when woven together, create the character of Christ in believers. They are like the essential garments of a new wardrobe, meant to be worn consistently.
Kindness ( χρηστότης )
This is benevolence and goodness in action; it's about being pleasant, agreeable, and actively doing good.
Humility ( ταπεινοφροσύνη )
This isn't self-deprecation, but a humble estimation of oneself, recognizing dependence on God and valuing others above yourself. It’s the opposite of arrogance.
Meekness ( πραότης )
Often misunderstood as weakness, meekness is strength under control. It’s gentleness and considerateness, especially when provoked, choosing not to assert your rights forcefully.
Patience ( μακροθυμία )
This is long-suffering, the ability to endure wrongs or delays without retaliation. It's bearing with others, even when they falter or test you.
The Interconnectedness
These virtues aren't isolated traits. Humility helps us be patient. Meekness allows kindness to flow even when challenged. Together, they form a complete picture of Christlike character, essential for unity and reflecting God's love.
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.
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.
This passage lists the 'fruit of the Spirit,' which includes many of the same virtues (kindness, gentleness, self-control) that Paul urges believers to 'put on' in Colossians 3:12, showing that these qualities are evidence of God's work within us.
Ephesians 4:24This verse speaks of 'putting on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness,' echoing the idea in Colossians of actively adopting virtues that reflect our renewed identity in Christ.
1 Peter 1:15-16Peter calls believers to 'be holy because I am holy,' drawing a direct connection between God's own nature and the call for His chosen people to live out these virtues in their daily lives.
Philippians 2:3-4This passage urges believers to 'do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves,' directly paralleling the call for humility and consideration for others found in Colossians 3:12.
Micah 6:8This Old Testament verse provides a foundational principle: 'what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?' showing that these virtues are timeless requirements of God's people.
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 verse doesn't just list virtues; it grounds them in identity. Paul urges believers to "put on" these qualities because they are God's "chosen, holy, and beloved," meaning these virtues naturally flow from who God says they are. This isn't about trying harder to become good, but about expressing the goodness that God has already placed within them.
Having just described how believers have "put on" Christ and the "new self" which is being renewed in God's image, Paul now calls them to actively live out that new identity. He urges them to clothe themselves with specific virtues, like compassion and humility, as a natural and consistent outflow of their identity as God's chosen, holy, and beloved people. This immediately sets the stage for the practical application of their faith in how they treat one another in the following verses.
Having just described how believers have "put on" Christ and the "new self" which is being renewed in God's image, Paul now calls them to actively live out that new identity. He urges them to clothe themselves with specific virtues, like compassion and humility, as a natural and consistent outflow of their identity as God's chosen, holy, and beloved people. This immediately sets the stage for the practical application of their faith in how they treat one another in the following verses.
"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 verse doesn't just list virtues; it grounds them in identity. Paul urges believers to "put on" these qualities because they are God's "chosen, holy, and beloved," meaning these virtues naturall…
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Last reviewed October 2026
