| 3:1 | IF you are then raised up with Christ, reach out for the highest gifts of Heaven, where Christ reigns in power. |
| 3:2 | Be concerned with the heavenly things, not with the passing things of earth. |
| 3:3 | For, as far as this world is concerned, you are already dead, and your true life is a hidden one in God, through Christ. |
| 3:4 | One day, Christ, who is your life, will show himself openly, and you will all share in that magnificent revelation. |
| 3:5 | Consider yourselves dead to worldly contacts: have nothing to do with sexual immorality, dirtymindedness, uncontrolled passion, evil desire, and the lust for other people's goods, which amounts to idolatry. |
| 3:6 | It is because of these very things that the holy anger of God falls upon those who refuse to obey him. |
| 3:7 | And never forget that you had your part in those dreadful things when you lived that old life. |
| 3:8 | But now you must put away all these things: evil temper, furious rage, malice, insults and shouted abuse! |
| 3:9 | Don't deceive each other with lies any more, for you have discarded the old nature and all that it did, |
| 3:10 | and you have put on the new nature which, by constant renewal in the likeness of its Creator, leads to a fuller knowledge of God. |
| 3:11 | In this new man there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, foreigner or savage, slave or free man. Christ is all that matters for Christ lives in all. |
| 3:12 | As, therefore, God's picked representatives, purified and beloved, put on that nature which is merciful in action, kindly in heart, and humble in mind. Accept life, and be most patient |
| 3:13 | and tolerant with one another, always ready to forgive if you have a difference with anyone. Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you. |
| 3:14 | And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love binds all the virtues together in perfection. |
| 3:15 | Let the peace of Christ guide all your decisions, for you were called to live as one united body; and always be thankful. |
| 3:16 | Let the full richness of Christ's teaching find its home among you. Teach and advise one another wisely. Use psalms and hymns and Christian songs, singing God's praises from joyful hearts. |
| 3:17 | And whatever work you have to do, either in speech or action, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God Father through him. |
| 3:18 | Wives, adapt yourselves to your husbands; that is your Christian duty. |
| 3:19 | Husbands, give your wives much love; never treat them harshly. |
| 3:20 | As for you children, obey your parents in everything, for this is the right and Christian thing to do. |
| 3:21 | Father's don't overcorrect your children, or you will take all the heart out of them. |
| 3:22 | Slaves, your job is to obey your human masters, not with the idea of catching their eye or currying favor, but as a sincere expression of your devotion to the Lord. |
| 3:23 | Whatever your task is, put your whole heart and soul into it, as into work done for the Lord and not merely for men |
| 3:24 | knowing that your real reward will come from him. You are actually slaves of the Lord Christ Jesus. |
| 3:25 | But the dishonest man will be paid back for his dishonesty, and no favoritism will be shown. |
Kolose 3 - Philips NT in Modern English
