As we step further into 2026, many people find themselves reflecting on the past decade. Social media trends encourage sharing photos from 2016, prompting us to look back at how much has changed in appearance, style, and life circumstances. In a similar way, the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3 urges believers to recognize the profound transformation that occurs in Christ. Just as old clothes no longer fit or suit us after ten years, the old ways of living no longer align with the new life we have in Jesus. Paul calls us to put off the old man and put on the new, living in a manner worthy of our renewed identity.
A New Identity
Paul writes in Colossians 3:10-11 (KJV): “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”
Then in verse 12 he continues: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved…”
This passage reminds us that Christianity is far more than moral improvement or behaviour modification. When we place our faith in Christ, we receive a brand new identity. We are no longer defined by our past sins or failures but by our position as the elect of God, holy and beloved. This transformation is internal and complete. We are made new creations, quickened from spiritual death to life in Christ. All genuine growth and change flow from this reality. We do not strive to earn God’s acceptance; rather, because we have already been accepted, loved, and made holy through Christ’s work, we are motivated to live differently. Our new identity in Jesus provides the foundation for everything that follows.
A New Character
Building on this identity, Paul instructs believers to put on specific character traits that reflect the new life in Christ. These are not optional extras but daily practices, much like choosing appropriate clothing each morning.
Compassion
Paul begins with “bowels of mercies,” a phrase denoting deep, inward compassion. In the biblical mindset, the deepest emotions reside in the core of our being. Christians are called to be moved by the suffering and needs of others, just as Christ was moved with compassion for the multitudes. Apathy or indifference toward those who struggle has no place in the new life.
Kindness
Compassion notices needs; kindness acts on them. It is practical love that meets people where they are, offering encouragement, service, or help even when it costs time or energy. Kindness goes beyond good intentions to tangible expressions of care.
Humility
Humbleness of mind is a mindset, not merely the absence of pride. True humility involves a proper estimation of ourselves, neither inflated nor deflated by self-focus. It means thinking of ourselves less and focusing on Christ and others more. Both arrogance and chronic insecurity stem from excessive self-preoccupation; humility frees us to value others and rest in our worth as children of God.
Meekness
Meekness is not weakness but strength under control. Like a powerful horse broken and harnessed for useful service, meekness channels our abilities under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It involves patience, maturity, and restraint, choosing to respond with grace even when wronged or when winning is not necessary.
Long suffering
Long suffering means being slow to anger, patient with people and circumstances. It reflects God’s patience toward us in our own repeated failures. If the Lord has borne with us so graciously, we can extend similar patience to others.
Forbearing One Another
Forbearing involves putting up with one another in the body of Christ. In any community of sinners, friction arises, but believers are called to exercise restraint and maintain unity rather than lash out.
Forgiving One Another
When deeper hurts occur, forbearance gives way to forgiveness. Forgiveness freely extends grace, releasing others from the debt they owe us, just as Christ forgave us. Colossians 3:13 (KJV) states: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Love
Above all, Paul says to “put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14 KJV). Love serves as the overarching garment that holds everything together, echoing the description in 1 Corinthians 13. Without genuine love for God and others, the other traits remain superficial.
New Priorities
After describing the new identity we receive in Christ and the new character traits we are to put on daily, Paul steps back to give believers three foundational priorities that should govern the entirety of the Christian life. These priorities are not add-ons but the guiding principles that shape how we live out our new nature in every sphere. They remind us that the transformed life is not about occasional religious activity but about allowing Christ to be preeminent in all things.
Let the Peace of God Rule
Colossians 3:15 (KJV): “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
The word “rule” here carries the sense of an umpire or referee making the final call. Paul instructs believers to allow the peace of God to serve as the deciding authority in their hearts. Rather than permitting fear, anger, bitterness, shame, or shifting emotions to determine our responses, we are to let God’s peace govern our decisions and relationships.
This peace is first the objective peace we have with God through justification, our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled to Him. Because we possess this settled peace with our Creator, it should overflow into peace with others. In the body of Christ, where we are called to live as one, this peace becomes the standard for how we handle conflict, disappointment, and daily interactions.
Paul adds a simple but powerful instruction: “and be ye thankful.” Gratitude is not an afterthought; it is the natural response of a heart ruled by God’s peace. When we remember what Christ has done for us, thankfulness displaces complaining, comparison, and discontent. A thankful heart keeps the peace of God in its rightful place as umpire.
Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly
Colossians 3:16 (KJV): “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.”
The phrase “dwell in you richly” paints a vivid picture. The word of Christ is not meant to be a temporary guest that visits on Sunday mornings or during occasional devotions. It is to take up permanent residence, to feel completely at home in our minds and hearts. “Richly” suggests abundance, depth, and saturation. God’s truth should permeate our thinking, conversations, and daily choices.
When Scripture dwells richly within us, several beautiful results follow. We gain wisdom to navigate life’s complexities. We are equipped to teach and admonish one another with gentleness and truth. Worship becomes a natural overflow. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs rise from hearts filled with grace.
In the context of Christian community, this priority is especially powerful. A church saturated with the word of Christ experiences mutual encouragement, correction in love, and joyful corporate worship. Conflicts diminish, relationships deepen, and spiritual growth accelerates because the authoritative voice in the room is no longer personal opinion but the living word of God.
Do Everything in the Name of Jesus
Colossians 3:17 (KJV): “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.”
This final priority is the most comprehensive. Paul does not limit the Christian life to church activities, Bible reading, or acts of service. He declares that “whatsoever ye do in word or deed” every conversation, every task, every decision in every sphere of life must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
To act in His name means to act under His authority, on His behalf, and for His glory. It is to represent Him as an ambassador in the workplace, in the home, in friendships, in parenting, in studies, in leisure, and in every other area. Whether we are speaking or acting, the question becomes: Does this honour Christ? Does this reflect His character? Does this advance His kingdom?
Paul ties this priority to gratitude once again: “giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” A life lived in the name of Jesus is marked by constant thankfulness because it flows from the recognition that Christ is not merely part of our life, He is our life. As Colossians 3:4 declares earlier in the chapter, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
These three priorities form the framework for living out the new life. When the peace of God rules our hearts, when the word of Christ dwells richly within us, and when everything is done in the name of Jesus, the new identity and new character traits described earlier become not burdensome rules but the natural expression of a life centred on Christ.
May we examine our daily priorities in light of this passage. Are we allowing God’s peace to referee our decisions? Is His word at home in our hearts? Are we consciously doing all things (great and small) in the name of the Lord Jesus? As we embrace these priorities, we will increasingly reflect the Saviour who has made us new, bringing glory to Him and blessing to those around us.
