Before Paul sketches out what our new clothes are made of, he situates us in our new identity in Jesus: chosen of God, holy, and beloved (vs 12). Pick one and reflect on what it means and why you can draw comfort from it.
Our “old clothes” (Col 3:5,8) communicated that we were ready for battle and willing to do whatever it took to get our way and end up on top. Based on verses 12 through 17, what do your new clothes communicate?
Putting these clothes on by brute force will leave us discouraged at the end of the day. Verse 13 tells us where we should look to find not only an example of these virtues but our source of strength to live them out. What is it? Is there an area in your life where you could apply this truth? Reflect.
“ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (verse 15). What is another possible translation of the word “rule”? What does it look like to live out this verse on the ground in real decisions and relationships?