What should couples do when they disagree about having children? A Biblical Guide
Short answer: In Colossians 3:12-14, the passage calls God's chosen people to embody a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, and perseverance. It also urges forgiveness as Christ forgave them, emphasizing that love is the bond of perfection. These verses are part of a larger section in Colossians 3 that instructs believers on how to live according to their new identity in Christ.
The Identity of God's Chosen People
Colossians 3:12 begins with the phrase, 'Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,' which establishes a central theme. This verse directly addresses believers who have been set apart by God through faith in Christ. The use of 'chosen' recalls Israel's election in Old Testament narratives but is now extended to all who are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Being 'holy and beloved' reflects both the sacredness of their new identity and the deep love that God has for them as individuals. This language underscores a transformative shift from a life lived under condemnation to one marked by grace.
The term 'chosen ones' is not merely about being selected among many, but rather about being called into a specific relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The imagery of clothing or putting on something becomes important here, suggesting that believers are to adopt new qualities in their lives as if they are wearing them like garments. This metaphor is used elsewhere in the Bible to describe spiritual transformation (Ephesians 4:24), but in Colossians it takes a particularly compassionate tone. The 'heart of compassion' listed alongside kindness, lowliness, and humility suggests that these virtues are not only desired behaviors but also essential aspects of their new identity.
The phrase 'holy and beloved' is especially meaningful because it directly contrasts with the previous chapter's focus on putting off old ways of living (Colossians 2:8-10). The contrast between being 'chosen, holy, and beloved' in Colossians 3:12 and the earlier exhortation to 'put off the old man' is a powerful reminder that transformation is not just about avoiding sin but embracing new life. This transition from a life defined by worldly values to one centered on Christ is central to understanding this passage. It also reflects the broader themes of Colossians, which emphasize the supremacy of Christ and the need for believers to live in accordance with His teachings.
This section of Scripture must be read carefully because it does not suggest that believers become perfect or sinless, but rather that they are called to pursue a life characterized by these virtues. The passage is part of a larger exhortation in Colossians 3 that addresses various aspects of daily living (Colossians 3:18-4:6). This context helps explain why the call to put on compassion and kindness is not an isolated instruction but rather one piece of a comprehensive spiritual transformation. Understanding this connection is essential for interpreting the passage accurately.
The Call to Compassion and Kindness
Colossians 3:12 lists several virtues that believers are called to put on, beginning with a 'heart of compassion.' This phrase is significant because it reflects the character of God Himself. In the Old Testament, mercy is one of the defining attributes of God (Exodus 34:6), and this idea continues into the New Testament where Jesus exemplifies compassion in His ministry. The use of the word 'compassion' here suggests a deep emotional response to others' needs rather than just a moral obligation. It implies that believers are to be moved by empathy, not merely to follow rules or commands.
The next virtue listed is kindness, which is closely related to compassion but has its own distinct meaning. Kindness can be understood as the outward expression of inner compassion, showing care and generosity in practical ways. This is important because it moves from internal feelings toward external actions, emphasizing that true transformation involves both heart and behavior. The word 'kindness' in Colossians 3:12 echoes other biblical passages where kindness is described as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and an essential part of Christian love (Ephesians 4:32).
The listing of virtues continues with 'lowliness' and 'humility,' which together convey an attitude of selflessness. These terms are not about weakness or lack of confidence but rather a recognition of one's position before God and others. This is particularly relevant in the context of Colossians, where Paul repeatedly emphasizes the supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1:15-20). By choosing to be humble, believers align themselves with Jesus' example, who emptied Himself for the sake of others (Philippians 2:7).
The final virtue listed in Colossians 3:12 is 'perseverance,' which speaks to endurance and steadfastness in the face of challenges. This trait becomes especially important when considering the context of early Christian communities, who faced persecution and hardship on a regular basis. The inclusion of perseverance in this list suggests that believers are not only called to live virtuously but also to remain faithful even in difficult circumstances. Understanding these virtues as interconnected elements rather than isolated commands helps readers grasp the full depth of Paul's message.
The Command to Forgive and Bear with One Another
Colossians 3:13 introduces a new dimension to the exhortation in verse 12, emphasizing forgiveness as a key aspect of Christian living. The phrase 'bearing with one another' suggests that believers are called not only to forgive but also to be patient and understanding toward others who may have wronged them. This is important because forgiveness is often difficult, especially when dealing with repeated offenses or deep hurt. However, the passage does not present forgiveness as a mere transactional act but rather as an expression of love and grace.
The command to 'forgiving each other' is closely tied to the example set by Christ in Colossians 3:13. The phrase 'even as Christ forgave you' reminds believers that their capacity for forgiveness comes from God's own forgiving nature. This is a powerful reminder that human beings are not expected to achieve perfection on their own, but rather to rely on the grace extended to them by God. Jesus' forgiveness was not limited or conditional; it was complete and unconditional, which means that believers are called to extend similar mercy to others.
The use of 'bearing with one another' in this context is particularly significant because it implies a long-suffering attitude rather than quick judgment or retaliation. This is especially relevant for early Christian communities who would have faced various challenges from both inside and outside the faith. The call to bear with one another encourages unity within the church despite differences, conflicts, or misunderstandings. It reflects a broader theme in Colossians where Paul emphasizes reconciliation and harmony among believers (Colossians 1:20-23).
This passage must be read carefully because it does not present forgiveness as an easy task but rather as a necessary part of the Christian life. The call to forgive is placed within the context of being 'God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,' which suggests that this is not just about personal morality but also about living in relationship with others as members of God's family. Understanding forgiveness as both a command and a gift from God helps believers approach it with humility rather than frustration.
Love as the Bond of Perfection
Colossians 3:14 concludes the list of virtues by emphasizing that 'above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.' This statement elevates love above all other virtues listed earlier, suggesting that love is not just one among many good traits but rather the foundation on which all others rest. The term 'bond' implies that love holds together or unites the various aspects of Christian living, making it essential for achieving spiritual maturity.
The phrase 'walk in love' is particularly significant because it describes a continuous way of life rather than a single act or moment of compassion. This aligns with Jesus' own teaching about loving others as Himself (John 13:34), which was not just an occasional behavior but a defining characteristic of His disciples. The use of 'walk in love' suggests that believers are to model their lives after Christ's example, allowing love to guide every decision and action.
The term 'bond of perfection' is intriguing because it implies that love contributes to completeness or wholeness in the Christian life. This does not mean that love alone makes a person perfect, but rather that love is essential for achieving spiritual maturity. It reflects Paul's broader teaching throughout his letters about the importance of love as the foundation of all other virtues (1 Corinthians 13:1-8). The reference to 'perfection' also connects with Colossians' overall emphasis on Christ's supremacy and the need for believers to grow in their relationship with Him.
This passage must be read carefully because it does not suggest that love is the only virtue or that other qualities listed earlier are irrelevant. Rather, it positions love as the unifying force that brings all these virtues together into a coherent way of life. The emphasis on 'bond of perfection' also reminds readers that spiritual growth involves more than just following rules or achieving moral excellence, it requires embracing love in its fullest sense.
The Context of Daily Living and Christian Community
Colossians 3:12-14 is followed by further instructions on how believers are to live within the community of faith. These include commands addressed specifically to wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, and masters (Colossians 3:18-4:6). This context helps explain why the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14 are not abstract ideals but practical principles for daily living within Christian relationships. The exhortation to put on compassion, kindness, humility, and perseverance is not just about personal morality but also about how believers interact with one another in their homes, workplaces, and churches.
The phrase 'putting off the old man' from Colossians 2:11-15 becomes especially relevant when considering these practical applications. By contrast, putting on new virtues like compassion and love is a way of embodying Christ's character in everyday interactions. This is particularly important for early Christians who were often living in societies that valued hierarchy, status, and power, values that could easily conflict with the humility and kindness encouraged by Paul.
The call to 'walk in love' as the bond of perfection also connects with the broader themes of reconciliation and unity found in Colossians. The emphasis on love is not only about personal relationships but also about fostering harmony within the Christian community. This becomes especially clear when considering that Paul was writing to a congregation facing internal conflicts and external pressures from various philosophical systems (Colossians 2:8-10). In such an environment, love became essential for maintaining unity among believers.
This passage must be read carefully because it does not present these virtues as isolated commands but rather as part of a comprehensive vision for Christian living. The connection between Colossians 3:12-14 and the following instructions on relationships within the church helps readers understand that spiritual transformation is not just about internal character but also about how believers live in community with others. Understanding this context is essential for interpreting the passage accurately.
The Role of the Church as a Community of Love
Colossians 3:12-14 plays an important role within the broader section on daily living in Colossians 3. This passage is followed by specific instructions for various roles within the family and society, including wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, and masters (Colossians 3:18-4:6). These commands are not presented as separate moral codes but rather as extensions of the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14. This suggests that love is not only a personal quality but also an essential component of how believers relate to one another within the church and society.
The phrase 'walk in love' from Colossians 3:14 becomes particularly significant when considering these practical applications. By emphasizing love as the bond of perfection, Paul encourages believers to see their relationships with others as expressions of God's own nature. This is especially important for early Christians who were often living in cultures that valued status and power over humility and kindness. The call to 'bear with one another' and forgive as Christ forgave becomes even more relevant in such a context.
The connection between Colossians 3:12-14 and the following verses on family relationships helps explain why love is emphasized so strongly. These instructions are not just about personal morality but also about how believers are to live within Christian community. This aligns with Paul's broader vision of the church as a unified body in Christ (Colossians 1:15-20), where love is essential for maintaining harmony and unity among members.
This passage must be read carefully because it does not suggest that these virtues are only important within specific relationships but rather that they apply universally to all aspects of Christian living. The connection between Colossians 3:12-14 and the following verses on family life helps readers understand that love is not just an abstract ideal but a practical way of living in relationship with others as members of God's household.
For more on this passage, see What Does Colossians 3.
For more on this passage, see What Does Colossians 3.
For more on this passage, see Colossians 2 Bible Study.
For more on this passage, see Colossians 4 Bible Study.
Biblical fidelity check
Colossians 3:12-14 must be read carefully because it does not present these virtues as isolated commands or moral ideals to be achieved on our own. Rather, the passage emphasizes that putting on compassion, kindness, humility, and perseverance is part of a larger transformation rooted in faith in Christ. This means that believers are called not just to follow rules but to embrace a new way of life based on their relationship with God through Jesus. The context of Colossians 3:12-14 includes previous exhortations about putting off the old self (Colossians 2:8-10) and future instructions on daily living within Christian relationships, which helps explain why love is emphasized so strongly as the bond of perfection. Understanding these connections ensures that readers do not interpret this passage in isolation but rather see it as part of a comprehensive vision for spiritual growth.
Frequently asked questions
What Does Colossians 3:12-14 Teach About Christian Character?
Colossians 3:12-14 teaches that believers are to embody virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, and perseverance. These qualities are not just moral ideals but reflections of Christ's character in daily life. The passage emphasizes that love is the bond of perfection, meaning it unites all these virtues into a cohesive way of living. This call to put on new character is part of a broader transformation from an old self defined by sin to a new identity in Christ.
What Does Colossians 3:12-14 Say About Forgiveness?
Colossians 3:13 commands believers to forgive one another, even as Christ forgave them. This forgiveness is not transactional but rooted in God's own forgiving nature and the example of Jesus. The passage emphasizes that love is essential for maintaining unity within the Christian community and that bearing with others reflects the grace extended to believers by God.
What Is the Role of Love in Colossians 3:12-14?
Love plays a central role in Colossians 3:14, where it is described as 'the bond of perfection.' This means that love unites all other virtues into a coherent way of life. The call to walk in love emphasizes that Christian living is not just about moral behavior but also about embodying the character of God through actions and attitudes toward others.
