Colossians 3:12
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
King James Version (KJV)
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After urging believers to put off old sinful patterns, Paul lists the new character they are to put on. This begins his portrait of how a Christ-centered community treats one another.
What Does Colossians 3:12 Mean?
Paul tells believers to deliberately clothe themselves with a set of Christlike virtues, because of who they already are in God. He uses the image of putting on a garment: the new character is not something we manufacture in our own strength alone but something we actively "put on," choosing day by day to wear it. And he grounds the command in identity. They are "the elect of God, holy and beloved" -- chosen by God, set apart for Him, and dearly loved. The behavior flows from belonging; we live out what God has already made us.
The virtues themselves form a portrait of a gracious heart. "Bowels of mercies" is a vivid old phrase for heartfelt compassion, the kind of mercy that is felt deep within. "Kindness" is goodness expressed toward others, and "humbleness of mind" is the lowliness that does not exalt itself over others. "Meekness" is strength held under control, gentleness rather than harshness, and "longsuffering" is the patience that bears with others over time without giving up. Together these are not cold duties but the warm clothing of a community meant to reflect its Lord. Because you are chosen, holy, and beloved, you can afford to be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient -- you are not scrambling to earn what God has already given.
In the Original Language
The Greek "endysasthe" (put on) is the language of dressing oneself in a garment. "Splanchna oiktirmou" (bowels of mercies) literally refers to the inward parts, the seat of deep compassion. "Tapeinophrosynē" (humbleness of mind) means lowliness of mind.
Cross References
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
- Ephesians 4:32
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
- Galatians 5:22
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
- Micah 6:8
Application
Because God has chosen and loves you, intentionally clothe yourself each day in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward the people around you.
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