Dual Panel1IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at {and} seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2And set your minds {and} keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
3For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.
4When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.
5So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed {and} covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God).
6It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will),
7Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in {and} addicted to [such practices].
8But now put away {and} rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses {and} slander, and foulmouthed abuse {and} shameful utterances from your lips!
9Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices,
10And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed {and} remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.
11[In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for {and} there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person].
12Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified {and} holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity {and} mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].
13Be gentle {and} forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].
14And above all these [put on] love {and} enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].
15And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
16Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] {and} dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish {and} train one another in all insight {and} intelligence {and} wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
17And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus {and} in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.
18Wives, be subject to your husbands [subordinate and adapt yourselves to them], as is right {and} fitting {and} your proper duty in the Lord.
19Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh {or} bitter {or} resentful toward them.
20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
21Fathers, do not provoke {or} irritate {or} fret your children [do not be hard on them or harass them], lest they become discouraged {and} sullen {and} morose {and} feel inferior {and} frustrated. [Do not break their spirit.]
22Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord {and} as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.
23Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,
24Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).
25For he who deals wrongfully will [reap the fruit of his folly and] be punished for his wrongdoing. And [with God] there is no partiality [no matter what a person's position may be, whether he is the slave or the master].