1Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above-where Christ holds the highest position. 2Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. 3You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4Christ is your life. When he appears, then you, too, will appear with him in glory.

5Therefore, put to death whatever is worldly in you: your sexual sin, perversion, passion, lust, and greed (which is the same thing as worshiping wealth). 6It is because of these sins that God's anger comes on those who refuse to obey him. 7You used to live that kind of sinful life. 8Also get rid of your anger, hot tempers, hatred, cursing, obscene language, and all similar sins. 9Don't lie to each other. You've gotten rid of the person you used to be and the life you used to live, 10and you've become a new person. This new person is continually renewed in knowledge to be like its Creator. 11Where this happens, there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, uncivilized person, slave, or free person. Instead, Christ is everything and in everything.

12As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly. 15Also, let Christ's peace control you. God has called you into this peace by bringing you into one body. Be thankful. 16Let Christ's word with all its wisdom and richness live in you. Use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach and instruct yourselves about [God's] kindness. Sing to God in your hearts. 17Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

18Wives, place yourselves under your husbands' authority. This is appropriate behavior for the Lord's people. 19Husbands, love your wives, and don't be harsh with them. 20Children, always obey your parents. This is pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, don't make your children resentful, or they will become discouraged.

22Slaves, always obey your earthly masters. Don't obey them only while you're being watched, as if you merely wanted to please people. Be sincere in your motives out of respect for your real master. 23Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans. 24You know that your real master will give you an inheritance as your reward. It is Christ, your real master, whom you are serving. 25The person who does wrong will be paid back for the wrong he has done. God does not play favorites.