< Colossians 3 >

1 If then you were raised together with Messiah, seek the things that are above, where Messiah is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Messiah in God. 4 When Messiah, your life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever is worldly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the children of disobedience. 7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; 8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices, 10 and have put on the new self, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11 where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman; but Messiah is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, gentleness, humility, and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as the Lord forgave you, so you also do. 14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Messiah rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to God. 17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him. 18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as people-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for people, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Messiah. 25 But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.

< Colossians 3 >