-
The Christian Life
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
-
bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
-
Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
-
And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.
-
Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
-
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
-
Christ in Your Home
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
-
Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them.
-
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
-
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they won’t become discouraged.
-
Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.
-
knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.
-
For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.
-
At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,
-
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
-
Final Greetings
Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
-
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts.
-
He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
-
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
-
and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
-
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.
-
Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.
-
After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
-
And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”
-
I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
