Put On Christ – Colossians 3:12-14 Bible Study
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Laying the Foundation: Dressed for the New Life
Yesterday, we studied what we need to take off, our old sinful nature. Today, Paul shifts to what we must put on.
If we belong to Christ, we can’t just remove sin and stop there. We must actively clothe ourselves with new attitudes and actions that reflect Jesus.
In this passage, Paul gives us seven characteristics that should define our new life in Christ—culminating in love, which binds them all together.
Let’s break it down.
1. Who We Are in Christ (v.12a)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved..."
"Put on" (ἐνδύω, endyō) – This means to clothe oneself. Just as we change out of dirty clothes and put on clean ones, we must intentionally put on Christ-like character.
"God’s chosen ones" – Before Paul tells us what to do, he reminds us who we are.
Chosen – God has handpicked us to belong to Him.
Holy – We have been set apart for God’s purposes.
Beloved – We are deeply loved by God.
Paul starts here because our identity determines our behavior.
Reflection:
Do you live as someone who is chosen, holy, and beloved by God?
How does knowing your identity in Christ change the way you live?
2. The Character of a New Life (v.12b-13)
"Put on... compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Paul lists five essential Christ-like qualities:
Compassionate hearts (σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, splagchna oiktirmou) – Deep mercy and concern for others.
Kindness (χρηστότης, chrēstotēs) – A gentle, gracious attitude that seeks the good of others.
Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosynē) – Not thinking too highly of oneself but serving others.
Meekness (πραΰτης, prautēs) – Strength under control; not demanding our way.
Patience (μακροθυμία, makrothymia) – Endurance and self-restraint when dealing with others.
These qualities reflect Christ Himself.
"Bearing with one another..." – This means putting up with each other’s faults in love.
"Forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." –
Forgiveness is not optional.
We forgive because we have been forgiven.
We do not forgive based on how we feel, but because Christ commands us to.
Reflection:
Which of these qualities do you struggle with the most?
Is there anyone you need to forgive, just as Christ forgave you?
3. Love: The Bond of Perfection (v.14)
"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
"Above all these" – Love is the supreme virtue.
"Put on love" – Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice and an action.
"Binds everything together in perfect harmony" – Love holds all these other qualities together. Without love, kindness becomes a performance, humility becomes self-righteousness, and patience runs out.
Love is what makes all the other virtues genuine.
Reflection:
Is love the defining mark of your life?
Do you truly love others as Christ loves you?
Final Thoughts: Clothe Yourself in Christ
Paul is clear: if we belong to Christ, we should reflect His character.
🏆 Remember who you are—chosen, holy, and beloved.
🧥 Put on Christ-like virtues daily.
🤝 Bear with others, and forgive as you’ve been forgiven.
❤️ Above all, put on love because it holds everything together.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Am I intentionally putting on Christ-like qualities in my daily life?
✔️ Is there someone I need to extend patience or forgiveness to?
✔️ Does my life reflect the love of Christ?
Tomorrow, we’ll continue as Paul teaches us how to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.
