OUR FATHER WHO ELECTS THOSE WHO BELIEVE

After instructing the Colossians to eschew the works of the old man, the Apostle Paul, in Colossians chapter 3 verses 12 - 25, prescribes the conduct that is in keeping with the new man.

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The list of marks of the life of the new man

• Tender mercies (Compassionate)
• Kindness
• Humility
• Meekness (Gentleness)
• Longsuffering (Patience with others)
• Forgiving others
• Lovinod g one another
• Internal peace of God
• Grateful
• Indwelled by the word of Christ
• Wise
• Sharing  Psalms and kymns and spiritual songs singing with grace
• Doing all things in the name of the Lord Jesus 
• Grateful to God (Through Jesus Christ)

18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Amen.

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