3Verse 1If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Verse 2Set your minds on the things above, not the things on earth.Verse 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.Verse 4When Christ, who is+our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.Verse 5Put to death therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: fornication, impurity, lust, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.Verse 6On account of these things the wrath of God is coming+upon the sons of disobedience.Verse 7You too once walked in these ways when you lived among them.Verse 8But now you must put them all aside: wrath, anger, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.Verse 9Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practicesVerse 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its Creator.Verse 11Here there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free, but Christ is all and in all.Verse 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and beloved, put on tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,Verse 13bearing with one another and forgiving one other if any one of you has a complaint against another; just as+Christ forgave you, so you also must forgive.Verse 14Above all, put on love, which is the bond of perfection.Verse 15Let the peace of+God rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.Verse 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to+the Lord with gratitude in your hearts.Verse 17And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to+our God and Father through him.
Rules for Christian 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 pleases the Lord.Verse 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.Verse 22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything. Do not try to please them only when they are watching you, but obey with sincerity of heart, fearing+God.Verse 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men,Verse 24knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward;+for you serve the Lord Christ.Verse 25+But he who does wrong will be paid back the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.