What does Colossians 3:12 mean?

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" - Colossians 3:12

Colossians 3:12 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering."

This verse is part of a larger passage in the letter to the Colossians which addresses the Christian community and their conduct in light of their new identity in Christ. In this particular verse, the apostle Paul is exhorting the Colossians to put on certain virtues and qualities that are consistent with their new status as the elect of God.

The phrase "Put on therefore" implies an intentional and purposeful action on the part of the believers. They are being called to actively and consciously embody the virtues that Paul is about to list. These virtues are not optional, but rather, they are essential for those who have been chosen by God and set apart as His beloved people.

The first quality mentioned is "bowels of mercies." This phrase may sound strange to modern readers, but in the ancient world, the bowels were thought to be the seat of emotions and compassion. Thus, "bowels of mercies" can be understood as a deep and heartfelt compassion for others. As God has shown mercy to us, we are called to extend that same mercy to those around us.

The next quality is "kindness." This refers to a gentle and benevolent attitude towards others. It involves being considerate, generous, and helpful to those in need. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and it reflects the character of God Himself.

"Humbleness of mind" is the third virtue mentioned. This speaks to the opposite of pride and self-exaltation. Believers are called to have a humble estimation of themselves and to consider others as more important than themselves. This aligns with the example of Christ who humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant for the sake of others (Philippians 2:5-8).

The fourth quality is "meekness." Meekness does not imply weakness, but rather, it is strength under control. It is a gentle and patient demeanor, even in the face of opposition or mistreatment. Jesus Himself described Himself as "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29), and He calls His followers to emulate His meekness.

Finally, the believers are called to demonstrate "longsuffering." This means to be patient and enduring in the midst of trials, provocation, and difficult circumstances. It involves forbearance and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

These virtues are not just a list of moral qualities, but they are deeply rooted in the character and nature of God. As His chosen and beloved people, the Colossian believers are called to reflect the heart of God to the world around them through these virtues. This passage is a call to imitate Christ and to embody His love, compassion, and humility in their daily lives.

The context of this verse is crucial for understanding its full significance. The letter to the Colossians was written in response to the challenges that the church in Colossae was facing. There were false teachings and deceptive philosophies that were threatening to undermine the true gospel and lead the believers astray. In light of these challenges, Paul's exhortation to put on these virtues takes on added significance.

By embodying these virtues, the Colossian believers would not only stand firm in the face of false teachings, but they would also bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. Their conduct would serve as a powerful testimony to the truth and relevance of the Christian message.

Symbolically, these virtues represent the character of Christ Himself. They are the attributes that He exhibited during His earthly ministry and they continue to be manifest in the lives of His followers through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, putting on these virtues is not simply a matter of self-effort, but it is a response to the work of God within the believer.

In conclusion, Colossians 3:12 in the KJV is a powerful exhortation to the believers to embody the virtues that are consistent with their new identity in Christ. These virtues are not mere moral qualities, but they reflect the very heart and character of God Himself. The believers are called to actively and intentionally put on these virtues, thereby bearing witness to the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. This verse continues to be a challenging and inspiring call to all believers to live out their faith in a manner that is consistent with the character of Christ.

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Colossians 3:12 - "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"

Colossians 3:12-13 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" - Colossians 3:12

Colossians 3:12-14 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Colossians 3:12-14 You are God’s chosen people. You are holy and dearly loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient. Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. And over all these good things put on love. Love holds them all together perfectly as if they were one.

Colossians 3:12-15 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." - Colossians 3:12-14