-
3:1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3:3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 3:4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 3:6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. 3:7 These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. 3:8 But now you must get rid of all such things-- anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. 3:9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices 3:10 and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. 3:11 In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! 3:12 As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 3:13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 3:14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 3:18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 3:23 Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, 3:24 since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. 3:25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality.