Colossians 3:12-14 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
World English Bible (WEB)
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
What Colossians 3:12-14 Means
Paul uses the picture of getting dressed. Having described the old way of living that believers are to set aside, he tells the Colossians to put on a new set of qualities: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. The older English word "bowels" refers to the deep seat of emotion, much as we say "heart" or "gut feeling" today, and the WEB renders it as a heart of compassion. The word translated longsuffering or perseverance means staying calm under provocation, not merely enduring a hard season. Forgiveness is tied to a model: Christ's forgiveness of us sets the pattern. A common misreading treats this as a demand to ignore wrongdoing, yet bearing with one another assumes real offenses exist. Love is then described as the bond that holds the other qualities together. KJV says charity, which is simply the older English word for love.
Context of Colossians 3:12-14
Colossians is a letter traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul, written while he was in prison, probably in the early 60s of the first century. It went to a church in Colossae, a town in what is now Turkey, which Paul had likely not visited himself. Earlier in chapter 3 he contrasts old habits with the new life in Christ. Right after this passage he turns to singing, thankfulness and instructions for households. To read the whole book, see random verse from Colossians.
How to Apply Colossians 3:12-14
Pick one relationship where friction has built up and ask which quality from this list is most missing from your side of it. Small actions count: a patient reply, a delayed reaction, a plain apology. You do not have to feel warm first. Forgiveness often begins as a decision and catches up with the emotions later.
Related Verses
- Ephesians 4:32 – And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
- Matthew 6:14-15 – For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- Romans 12:18 – If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Forgiveness, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to put on compassion and kindness?
Paul pictures character as clothing a person chooses each morning. It means deliberately acting with tenderness and patience toward others, especially when it is inconvenient. The qualities are not presented as natural talent but as a way of living that follows from being chosen and loved by God.
Does Colossians 3:13 mean I must stay in a harmful relationship?
The verse asks for forgiveness and patience, but it does not say to stay in danger or accept abuse. Forgiving someone is separate from trusting them again or remaining near them. If you are unsafe, talking with a pastor, counselor or other trusted person is wise.
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