August 3, 2025 – Wearing What Matters – Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:12-17 instructs believers to clothe themselves with virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and to forgive one another as Christ forgave them. Love is emphasized as the ultimate unifying force, and believers are urged to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and to be thankful. Everything should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, with gratitude to God.  

Putting on Virtues:
Opens in new tabThe passage begins by urging believers to put on specific virtues: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are not simply outward actions, but qualities that should characterize a believer’s heart and attitude.  

Forgiveness:
Opens in new tabA central theme is forgiveness, echoing the forgiveness believers have received from Christ. The passage encourages believers to forgive one another, regardless of the offense.  

Love as the Unifying Force:
Opens in new tabLove is presented as the ultimate virtue that binds all others together in perfect unity. It is the foundation for genuine community among believers.  

Peace and Thankfulness:
Opens in new tabThe passage also emphasizes the peace of Christ, which should rule in the hearts of believers, and encourages them to be thankful in all circumstances.  

Living for Christ:
Opens in new tabFinally, believers are instructed to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. This emphasizes that every aspect of life should be lived in accordance with Christ’s example and for His glory. 

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord[a] has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ[b] rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ[c] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.[d] 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.

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