1Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, focus on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2Keep your mind on things above, not on earthly things.
3For you died, and your new life is hidden with Christ in God.
4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5So, get rid of all the earthly things present in you: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
6It is because of these sins that God’s anger comes upon those who disobey.
7You used to behave that way too, when you lived in those sins.
8But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language from your mouth.
9Do not lie to one another, because you have put off your old sinful nature with its habits,
10and you have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
11In this new life, it doesn't matter if someone is a Greek or a Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, a barbarian, a Scythian, a slave, or a free person. Christ is all that matters, and he is in everyone.
12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13Be patient with each other, and forgive one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as Christ forgave you, so also you must forgive.
14Above all these things, put on love, which binds everything together perfectly.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16Let the message of Christ live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17Whatever you say or do, let it be in the name of the Lord Jesus, and give thanks to God the Father through Him.
18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is appropriate in the Lord.
19Husbands, love your wives and don’t be harsh with them.
20Children, obey your parents in everything, because this pleases the Lord.
21Fathers, don’t make your children resentful, so they won’t get discouraged.
22Servants, obey in everything your earthly masters. Don't just obey when they are watching, trying to please people, but obey with sincerity of heart and with respect for God.
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you are working for the Lord and not for people.
24You know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
25But anyone who does wrong will be punished for the wrong they have done, and God treats everyone the same.