3:1 So then, if you were raised with the Anointed, seek what is above where the Anointed is seated at the right hand of God.

3:2 Set your heart on what is above, not on the earth.

3:3 For you died, and your life has been hidden together with the Anointed in God.

3:4 When the Anointed appears, you and your life will appear with him in honor.

3:5 So put your association with the earth to death: promiscuity, impurity, evil emotions and passions, and greed, which is idolatry.

3:6 These are the reasons for the coming rage of God on the stubbornly hostile.

3:7 You used to keep doing those things when you lived that way.

3:8 But now, get rid of all these: rage, fury, malice, slander, and obscene talk.

3:9 Do not lie to each other but strip off the old self and its practices.

3:10 Replace it with the new one, which is being rejuvenated to resemble the One who formed it—

3:11 one that knows no Greek and Judean, no circumcision and un-circumcision, no barbarian or Scythian or slave or free— because all are united as one with the Anointed.

3:12 So then, as God’s chosen holy ones that are dearly loved, put these on: compassion, kindness, humility, even-temperedness, and patience,

3:13 putting up with each other and being nice to each other. If you have a grievance with anyone, deal kindly with them just as the Master did with you.

3:14 Then complete it by putting on love as an outer coat to hold it all together.

3:15 And let the peace of the Anointed be the decision-maker in your hearts, which is the reason you were called into one body. Become grateful.

3:16 Let the Word of the Anointed live in you richly. In all wise instruction, teach and warn each other with praise songs, festive songs, and spiritual songs, singing freely in your hearts to God.

3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all as representatives of Master Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

3:18 Wives, join with your husbands just as you are joined to the Master.

3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be upset with them.

3:20 Children, listen to your parents in everything, because this pleases the Master.

3:21 Fathers, don’t provoke your children and make them disillusioned.

3:22 Slaves, listen to your physical masters in everything. Slave for them, not for show as sycophants, but out of respect for the Master.

3:23 Do everything from your soul, like you’re working for the Master and not people,

3:24 knowing that the Master will pay you the due compensation of your inheritance. You are slaving for Master Anointed!

3:25 And whoever causes harm will get what they deserve, without favoritism.