Paul writes to God’s chosen ones, those of us who are followers of Jesus. He then calls us to live a life that reflects the character of Jesus.

Read Colossians 3:12-17 slowly and prayerfully.

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 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.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
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. (ESV)


1. What are things that we should “put on” (verses 12-14)?

2. What should rule in our hearts (verse 15)?

3. What should dwell in us (verse 16)?

4. Why should we display these characteristics (verse 17)?

5. What one phrase from this passage will you think about throughout today?