Raised Into the Father's Life
3 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of our Father. 2 Set your minds on the things above, not on the things of the earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in our Father. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 So put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of our Father is coming on those who disobey him. 7 You too once lived this way — that was your life. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have stripped off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. a a v11 Scythians were considered the most extreme, uncultured outsiders of the ancient world.
12 Therefore, as our Father's chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and forgive each other if anyone has a grievance against another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit with gratitude in your hearts to our Father. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to our Father through him.
Households Shaped by Love
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, 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, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it not only when they are watching you and to win 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 and not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrong, and there is no favoritism.