“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”– Colossians 3:12 (KJV)
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”– Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.”– Colossians 3:12 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 3:12 Mean?
Colossians 3:12 presents a beautiful invitation for us as believers to live a life marked by compassion and kindness. The apostle Paul addresses the members of the church in Colossae, reminding them of their identity as chosen by God. This verse implies that our position as Christians comes with responsibilities. We are to clothe ourselves metaphorically in virtues that reflect God’s character. Just as we dress ourselves each day, we are encouraged to put on qualities such as mercy, humility, gentleness, and patience.
The phrase “elect of God” signifies that we are selected and cherished by God. This divine choice compels us to live according to the values He embodies. The description of being “holy and beloved” indicates that we are set apart for a special purpose and deeply loved by our Creator. Understanding our identity in Christ equips us to act with a heart full of kindness, reflecting God’s love in our interactions with others.
Colossians 3:12 Explanation and Commentary
When we think about the world we live in, we can see that kindness and compassion are often in short supply. Our environment is filled with negativity, anger, and frustration. Yet, as Christians, we’re called to stand out and be different. Colossians 3:12 encourages us to actively embody the traits that make us true representatives of Christ in our daily lives. It’s not merely about avoiding wrongdoing; it’s about choosing to do good and be a blessing to those around us.
The idea of clothing ourselves with virtues suggests an intentional act. Just like we decide what to wear each day based on our intentions and circumstances, we must also choose how to treat our neighbors, family, and even strangers. Mercy involves showing compassion and forgiveness, while kindness reflects our willingness to care for others. In practicing humility, we acknowledge that we are all on this journey together, and none of us are superior to one another. When we demonstrate gentleness, we handle situations with grace, and by being patient, we allow room for growth in ourselves and others.
This verse also connects beautifully with other scriptures that highlight God’s character and our call to live like Him. For instance, Ephesians 4:32 states, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” This consistency across the Scriptures reinforces our duty as followers of Jesus to portray His love and forgiveness in our interactions. When we step into our role as the “elect of God,” we step into the light of His love that compels us to express that love to the world.
Context of Colossians 3:12
Understanding the context of Colossians 3:12 is vital in grasping its full message. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to a community facing false teachings that undermined the truth of Jesus Christ. In the preceding chapters, he emphasizes the preeminence of Christ, reminding believers that their lives are now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Such a profound truth about who we are enables us to live out our faith genuinely.
In Chapter 3, Paul discusses the importance of putting off the old self characterized by sinful behavior. He urges believers to remove anger, malice, and filthy language. This indicates that to embrace the new life in Christ, believers must actively choose to discard old habits that do not align with their new identity. Paul then encourages us to replace these negative traits with qualities that resemble Jesus’ character. The list in Colossians 3:12 sets the stage for how we are to live out our faith in practical, tangible ways.
Additionally, the early Christian community was diverse, comprising both Jews and Gentiles. This diversity brought about challenges and opportunities for unity. This verse serves as a reminder that regardless of our backgrounds, we are called to live in harmony, demonstrating God’s love and grace in all circumstances. Therefore, Colossians 3:12 expresses the core of Christian living—being a community that embodies love through acts of mercy, kindness, and humility.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 3:12
As we reflect on Colossians 3:12, let’s break down some of the key elements. The verse begins with “Put on therefore,” indicating an action we must take. Just like choosing our clothes, this calls for a conscious decision to adopt a certain way of living. Each of the virtues mentioned—mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—serves as distinct qualities that we should pursue.
Mercy is a beautiful trait that encourages us to sympathize with others’ struggles. It means being forgiving and compassionate toward those who may hurt us or those who are in need. Kindness can manifest in simple acts—an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a smile. It can have a lasting impact on someone’s day.
Humility comes from recognizing that we are all deserving of God’s grace and that no one is better than another. It reminds us to serve with a spirit of respect, valuing others above ourselves as instructed in Philippians 2:3. Gentleness involves responding to situations without aggression or harshness; it’s about showing strength under control. Lastly, patience encourages us to endure hardships with grace, knowing that God’s timing is perfect. These qualities help us to work together as a unified body, enriching our Christian community.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 3:12
Colossians 3:12 teaches us a multitude of lessons that can have a profound effect on our lives. The call to embody mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience encourages us to reflect on our actions and attitudes. In a world that often seems chaotic, we are given a blueprint for living in harmony and love.
The lesson of empathy stands out. By practicing mercy, we cultivate the ability to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. We learn to listen and respond with compassion instead of judgment. Kindness challenges us to think about how we can positively impact others each day, no matter how small the gesture may seem.
Humility teaches us that we are all part of God’s creation and teaches us to value the worth of every individual. There is power in serving others, and this verse gently nudges us in that direction continuously. Gentleness reminds us how we communicate influences our relationships. We are called to handle our words carefully, fostering an environment of love and encouragement.
Patience, on the other hand, is a continual process. It asks us to slow down, adjust our expectations, and allow God to shape us and those around us. When we embrace these lessons, we align ourselves with God’s heart and fulfill His command to love others deeply.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Colossians 3:12 presents an enriching and challenging call to action for all of us. It invites us to embrace our identity as God’s chosen people by adopting the traits of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Each day offers a new opportunity to practice these virtues, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us.
So, let us uplift each other with love and understanding, demonstrating God’s heart in every interaction we have. May we continually strive to embody the values found in Colossians 3:12 as we represent Christ through our actions. Let’s take this scripture to heart and see how it transforms our relationships and communities, leading to a world filled with God’s light.
If you’re interested in exploring more topics on the Bible or looking for deeper insights into specific scriptures, don’t hesitate to dive into those resources. Together, we grow in faith and understanding!