1If you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God! 2Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is our life is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. 5Therefore, put to death what is earthly2011 in you: sexual immorality, impurity, depraved passions, lust and greed (which is idolatry). 6Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming on the children of disobedience. 7You also used to live in them when you lived among these people; 8but now, put them all away: anger, rage, evil, slander, and shameful language. 9Do not lie to one another. You have put off the old self with his doings 10and you have put on the new self who is being renewed in knowledge according to the image2012 of his Creator. 11Here, there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free; but Christ is all, and in all!
12As God’s elect,2013 holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance. 13Bear with one another, and forgive each other! If anyone has a complaint against anyone else, forgive, even as Christ forgave you.
14Above all, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15Let the peace of God (to which also you were called in one body) rule in your hearts, and be thankful! 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. In all wisdom, teach and admonish each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
17Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the God and Father through him.
Christian family—Servants and Masters
18Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them.
20Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
21Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not be discouraged.
22Slaves, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking (to please human beings), but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 23And whatever you do, work with your heart, as for the Lord, and not for men. 24Know that you will receive the reward of your inheritance from the Lord, for you serve the Lord Christ. 25But whoever does wrong will receive in return according to the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
- Literally “your members that are on the earth”
- Greek (eikovna) “icon”
- Or “chosen ones”
Text: The Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible, New Testament (EOB). Used with permission.
