12 (A)Put on then, as (B)God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, (C)compassionate hearts, (D)kindness, (E)humility, meekness, and patience, 13 (F)bearing with one another and, (G)if one has a complaint against another, (H)forgiving each other; (I)as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on (J)love, which (K)binds everything together in (L)perfect harmony. 15 And let (M)the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called (N)in one body. And (O)be thankful. 16 Let (P)the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, (Q)singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, (R)with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And (S)whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, (T)giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Rules for Christian Households

18 (U)Wives, submit to your husbands, as (V)is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and (W)do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents (X)in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey (Y)in everything those who are your earthly masters,[a] not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 (Z)Whatever you do, work heartily, (AA)as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord (AB)you will receive the inheritance as your reward. (AC)You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Masters, treat your bondservants[b] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:22 Or your masters according to the flesh
  2. Colossians 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; likewise for servant in verse 12

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves(A) with compassion, kindness, humility,(B) gentleness and patience.(C) 13 Bear with each other(D) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.(E) 14 And over all these virtues put on love,(F) which binds them all together in perfect unity.(G)

15 Let the peace of Christ(H) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body(I) you were called to peace.(J) And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ(K) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom(L) through psalms,(M) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.(N) 17 And whatever you do,(O) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks(P) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households(Q)

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,(R) as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers,[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance(S) from the Lord as a reward.(T) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.(U)

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,(V) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:21 Or Parents