Revealing Christ in Us: Col 3:12-17

Paul exhorts in Col 3:12-17 to “put on” certain virtues.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Col 3:12-17

The Greek word for “put on” is ἐνδύσασθε (endysasthe) which also means to “sink into”. It conveys the idea of resting in and embodying what is already true about us as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are not clothing ourselves with something that is foreign to us, but they are the natural expression of the Spirit within us. So, we are effectively “revealing Christ in us”

Let’s explore how to “put on” Christ in practical areas of life:

Revealing Christ in Relationships

Paul starts with a list of virtues that focusses on others, and dealing with others. He doesn’t say this so that the congregation will be in unity and everyone will get along with each other, and he will have one less headache to deal with, but rather it is the core of who we are, in Christ. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are relational qualities that flow naturally from a heart transformed by Christ.

• Compassion: Deep empathy that moves us to action, just as Jesus reached out to people in need.
• Kindness: Beneficial and generous actions that serve others.
• Humility: Not thinking less of yourself but considering others higher (Philippians 2:3).
• Gentleness: Strength under control, responding with grace and not retaliation.
• Patience: The ability to endure with grace, forgiving others as Christ forgave us.

Finally in Col 3:12 he says that may these virtues be bound, or always together in love.

Revealing Christ through Forgiveness

When dealing with others, we are bound to have some disagreements, and conflicts. If you just landed on earth, let me make something clear, you are bound to get hurt by someone. You cannot control that. But you can certainly control how you respond.

Unforgiveness is like drinking poison hoping that the offender will die.

Paul writes, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). Christ’s forgiveness was proactive, unconditional, and complete. Forgiveness is not just an action but an attitude that reflects our understanding of God’s grace.

• Forgiving Others: Recognize that forgiveness is a gift you have received and are called to extend to others.
• Letting Go: Forgiveness does not mean forgetting in a literal sense, but it does mean choosing not to dwell on the offense or let it define the relationship.
• Boundaries: Forgiveness does not always require reconciliation in cases of harm, but it does free your heart from bitterness.

Also read (Four Steps towards forgiveness).

When in Doubt, Peace Out

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). The Greek word for “rule” (brabeuō) refers to an umpire who decides outcomes. This means that the peace of Christ should act as the deciding factor in our hearts, guiding our responses and choices.

• Peace as a Guide: In moments of conflict or uncertainty, let the peace of Christ direct you toward unity and harmony.
• Resting in Christ: This peace is not circumstantial but rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and sovereignty (Philippians 4:7).

When doubts arise, choose to rest in the peace of Christ, letting it guard your heart and mind.

Revealing Christ through Thankfulness

Paul continually emphasizes thankfulness: “Be thankful” and “Give thanks in all things” (Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude aligns our hearts with God’s goodness and helps us focus on His blessings rather than our challenges.

• Not For, But In: Give thanks in all circumstances, not necessarily for them. Gratitude in trials acknowledges God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.
• Daily Practice: Cultivate gratitude through prayer, journaling, or reflecting on Scripture.

Thankfulness transforms our perspective and helps us live joyfully, no matter the circumstances.

Word: Feel at Home

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). The word “dwell” suggests feeling at home. For God’s Word to feel at home in us, it must be adored, admired, and given priority.

• Abundance of the Word: Regularly read, meditate on, and memorize Scripture so it saturates your heart and mind.
• Living the Word: Allow Scripture to guide your decisions and interactions, making it a natural part of your daily life.

When God’s Word dwells richly in you, it becomes the foundation for wisdom and growth.

Build Someone Else Up: Teach and Admonish

Paul instructs us to teach and admonish one another “with all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). Building others up is a natural outflow of Christ’s life within us.

• Teaching: Share biblical truths and encourage others in their faith.
• Admonishing: Lovingly correct and guide others, pointing them toward God’s wisdom.
• In All Wisdom: Be discerning in how you teach and admonish, ensuring that your words align with Scripture and are spoken in love.

Whether through conversations, psalms, or hymns, building others up glorifies God and strengthens His body.

Conclusion: Resting in Your True Self

As believers, putting on Christ is not about striving but about sinking into the reality of who we already are in Him. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, thankfulness, and wisdom are not external traits to be added but the natural fruit of the Spirit at work in us.

When we live out these virtues, we reflect the character of Christ and glorify God in all we do. So, let’s rest in Him, letting His peace rule, His Word dwell richly, and His love bind us together in perfect unity.