Raised Into the Father's Life
Since they were raised with Christ, their real life is hidden with him in our Father. So they strip off rage, lying and greed and put on compassion, patience and forgiveness as our Father's chosen and loved. Homes and work are reshaped by that love.
3 1Then, since you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of our Father. 2Set your minds on the things above, not on the things of the earth. 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in our Father. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5So kill what is earthly in you: sexual sin, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed—which is idolatry. 6Because of these things the wrath of our Father is coming on those who disobey him. 7You too once lived this way—that was your life. 8Now get rid of all these: anger, rage, malice, slander, obscene talk from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you have stripped off the old self with its practices, 10and put on the new self, being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. 11No Greek or Jew here, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free—but Christ is all, in all.
12So, as our Father's chosen, holy and dearly loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Put up with one another, forgiving whatever complaints you have against each other. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15Let Christ's peace rule your hearts—you were called to it as one body. Be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and correcting each other with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, with gratitude in your hearts to our Father. 17Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking our Father through him.
Households Shaped by Love
18Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21Fathers, don't provoke your children, so they won't lose heart.
22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything—not just while watched, to gain favor, but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly, as for the Lord, not for people, 24since you know you will receive the inheritance as reward from the Lord; you serve the Lord Christ. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrong, and there is no favoritism.
