Bible-study exercise: Colossians 3:12–14

Read Colossians 3:12–14 carefully.

“Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”

Questions

1. Observation (v. 12): What three descriptions of believers precede the command, and what five qualities are they to “put on”?
2. Interpretation (v. 13): What is the pattern and measure for forgiving another believer?
3. Observation and interpretation (v. 14): What virtue must be placed over all the others, and why is it called the “perfect bond of unity”?

Answer Key

1. Believers are described as God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people. They must put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Their conduct flows from their God-given identity.
2. The Lord’s forgiveness is the pattern: believers forgive because they have first been forgiven by Christ. His grace rules out withholding forgiveness merely because the offender does not deserve it.
3. Love must be put on above all. It binds the other virtues together and directs them towards the spiritual good and unity of others.