Colossians 3:12

Commentary on Colossians 3:12

Text: Colossians 3:12

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”

1. Immediate Context: Colossians 3

Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 3[i] flows from the believer’s union with Jesus Christ. The chapter begins with a call to seek the things above, because believers have died with Christ and their life is now hidden in Him.

Colossians 3:1–3

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

The apostle then commands believers to “mortify” sinful behaviours (verses 5–9) and to “put on the new man” (verse 10), which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ.

Colossians 3:10

“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”

Colossians 3:12 continues this “put on” imagery, describing the character traits that flow from the gospel and the believer’s identity in Christ.

2. Exegetical Commentary on Colossians 3:12

2.1 “Put on therefore”

The verb “put on” evokes the deliberate act of clothing oneself. Christian character is not accidental; it is intentional, Spirit-enabled obedience. Paul uses the same imagery in Ephesians 4.

Ephesians 4:24

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

The “therefore” connects these virtues to the believer’s identity in Christ. Ethics flow from theology.

2.2 “As the elect of God, holy and beloved”

Paul grounds Christian behaviour in divine grace.

• Elect of God
  chosen by God before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1).
• Holy
  set apart for God’s purposes.
• Beloved
  deeply loved by God.

Ephesians 1:4

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”

These descriptors are not goals to achieve but realities to embrace. Because believers are already elect, holy, and beloved, they are called to live in a manner consistent with that identity.

2.3 “Bowels of mercies”

In the King James Version, “bowels” refers to the deepest seat of emotion. Paul calls for heartfelt compassion, not superficial niceness.

This echoes Jesus Christ’s compassion toward the crowds.

Matthew 9:36

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”

2.4 “Kindness”

Kindness is active goodness expressed toward others. It reflects the kindness of God shown in salvation.

Titus 3:4–5

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”

2.5 “Humbleness of mind”

Humility is not self-loathing but a sober recognition of one’s dependence on God and a willingness to serve others.

Philippians 2:3

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

2.6 “Meekness”

Meekness is strength under control. It is the posture of someone who trusts God rather than insisting on personal rights.

Matthew 11:29

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

2.7 “Longsuffering”

Longsuffering is patient endurance, especially toward difficult people. It is the opposite of irritability or quick temper.

2. Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Believers imitate the patience of God Himself.

3. Theological Themes

3.1 Identity precedes behaviour

Paul does not say, “Be merciful so that God will love you.” He says, “Because you are loved, be merciful.” This is grace-driven sanctification.

3.2 The character of Christ reproduced in His people

Every virtue listed in Colossians 3:12 is a characteristic of Jesus Christ. Sanctification is Christlikeness.

3.3 The communal nature of Christian ethics

These virtues are relational. They assume life together in the church. Christian maturity is expressed in community.

4. Meditation Guide

4.1 Reflect on your identity in Christ

Sit quietly and meditate on the words “elect,” “holy,” and “beloved.” Ask:

• Do I truly believe these words describe me?
• How might my behaviour change if I lived from this identity?

4.2 Examine your heart for compassion

Consider someone who frustrates you. Ask:

• Do I respond with “bowels of mercies” or irritation?
• How has God shown compassion to me?

4.3 Practise kindness deliberately

Identify one person you can bless today through a concrete act of kindness.

4.4 Cultivate humility

Ask:

• Where am I insisting on my own way?
• How can I serve quietly without recognition?

4.5 Embrace meekness

Reflect on Jesus Christ’s meekness. Ask:

• Where do I need to surrender control to God?

4.6 Grow in longsuffering

Think of a relationship that requires patience. Pray for the Spirit’s help to endure with grace.

5. Practical Application for Modern Christian Living

5.1 In the workplace

Humbleness of mind counters the self-promotion culture. Kindness and longsuffering shape how Christians respond to difficult colleagues.

5.2 In family life

Compassion and meekness soften conflict and create space for reconciliation.

5.3 In church community

These virtues protect unity and foster genuine fellowship. They are essential for resolving disagreements and bearing with one another.

5.4 In public witness

A Christian marked by mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience stands out in a world of outrage and self-interest. This is evangelism through character.

---

[i] Colossians 3

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

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

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.