In Colossians 3, the inspired apostle Paul describes the transformed lifestyle of the faithful child of God. One who has been buried with Christ must put off “sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (verse 5), as well as sinful anger, wrath, malice, slander, shameful speaking, and lying (verses 8-9).
On the other hand, the Christian is commanded, “Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col. 3:12-15).
The basis for this changed life is a recognition that Christians belong to God, and not to the world. This is seen in the words, “as God’s elect, holy and beloved” (verse 12). Being holy involves being set apart from evil to bring glory to God. Christians should be in the world, but not of the world. We must allow God’s Word to direct and transform our thinking, instead of conforming to the majority (John 17:15-17). The first two virtues the passage commands are “a heart of compassion” and “kindness” (verse 12). Compassion involves a tender concern for others that mimics our Savior’s care (cf. Matt. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32). Kindness involves acts and attitudes that demonstrate a desire for others’ well-being. Instead of bitterness, wrath, slander, and malice, we must be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, bearing in mind the kindness God has shown us (Eph. 4:31-32).
Verse 12 also commands putting on “lowliness” (ASV) or “humbleness of mind” (KJV). Humility involves not esteeming self or exalting self too highly. It involves having a proper view of self in relation to God and others. A good description of humility toward others is in Philippians 2:3: doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;
Verse 12 further commands putting on “meekness.” This in many ways is the opposite of self-assertiveness. The attitude of meekness accepts God as our Master, yields to His guidance, and yields to others when it is appropriate. Meekness is not being gullible or being a “push-over.” We must steadfastly refuse changes that push us away from God. Meekness, though, eagerly pursues changes that draw us closer to God. Meekness allows God to mold us like clay (cf. James 1:21). The final trait commanded in verse 12 is “longsuffering.” This can include suffering long while enduring hardships – i.e., obeying God steadfastly through trials (2 Tim. 2:3). It can also include being longsuffering toward others – i.e., suffering mistreatment from others with love, instead of rendering evil for evil (cf. 1 Pet. 3:9).
Verse 13 continues by commanding, “forbearing one another, and forgiving each other.” This shows the need for patience with others, and the need to not harbor grudges and resentment against others, but to be forgiving. The example and motivation for this is seen at the end of the verse: “even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye:” No one has ever wronged us as much as we have wronged the Lord. If He is willing to forgive all those who submit to His terms, how much more should we be willing to forgive others (cf. Matt. 18:21-35)?
Verse 14 commands, “above all these things put on love.” If we love God as we should, we will seek to please Him by obeying His commands (1 John 5:3). If we love others as we should, we will seek others’ highest good. Love for others is in many ways the root of treating others rightly (cf. 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Rom. 13:9-10).
Verse 15 commands, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” The one who pleases God is able to be at peace with Him (Rom. 5:1), and will seek peace with others (Rom. 12:18). Moreover, the one who is at peace with God and fervently prays to and trusts Him is able to have inner peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7). The end of verse 15 commands, “be ye thankful.” No matter what difficulties we face, life is much better than we deserve if we are faithfully serving God. The blessings He provides to the obedient are unmerited, and these blessings far outweigh any temporal hardships we face.
– Michael Hickox