1So if you've been brought back to life with Christ, look for what comes from above, where Christ is, sitting at God's right hand.

2Fix your mind on what's above, not what's here on earth.

3You died, and your life is kept safe with Christ in God.

4When Christ—your life—is revealed, then you will also share in his visible glory.

5So kill your worldly nature—sexual sin, immorality, lust, evil desires, greedily wanting to have more—this is the worship of idols.

6Because of such things, those who disobey experience God's judgment.

7At one time you lived like that when you behaved in such a way,

8but now you should get rid of such things as anger, rage, wickedness, abuse, and using obscenities.

9Don't lie to each other, since you've discarded your old self and what you used to do,

10and put on your new self that is always being made more like your Creator, understanding better who he really is.

11In this new situation there's no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, foreigner, barbarian, ¹³slave or free, for Christ is everything, and he lives in all of us.

12Since you are God's special people, holy and dearly loved, adopt a sympathetic nature that is kind, humble, gentle, and patient.

13Be patient with one another, forgive others among you if you have grievances against one another. Just as the Lord forgave you, you should do the same.

14Above all, love one another, which is the perfect bond that will hold you together.

15May the peace of Christ direct your thinking, because you were called to this by God who makes you one, and thank God for it!

16Let Christ's message fully live in you. In every wise way teach and instruct one another through psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing praises to God in gratitude and sincerity.

17Whatever you do, whether in word or action, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, praising God the Father through him.

18You married women, respect your husbands appropriately in the Lord.

19You married men, love your wives and don't treat them badly.

20You children, always do what your parents tell you because this is what pleases the Lord.

21You fathers, don't make your children mad, so they won't feel like giving up.

22Those of you who are servants, do everything your human masters tell you, not with just an eye to please them, but honestly and sincerely, respecting the Lord.

23Do whatever you do really well, as if you're doing it for God, and not for people,

24because you know that the Lord will give you your reward—an inheritance! You're serving Christ the Lord!

25Whoever does what's wrong will be paid back for the wrong they've done, and God has no favorites.