Colossians 3:12

Put on therefore. Since this is so, Paul stresses the need for a voluntary act by which the Christian takes upon himself the likeness of Christ and His character. See on v. 10.

Elect of God. These are the subjects of the kingdom of heaven. All who have accepted Christ, irrespective of national, religious, racial, and social distinctions, are the elect of God. They are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. See TM 422; see on Romans 8:33; cf. PP 207, 208.

Holy. Those who have been set aside, who are separate from the world, and who are devoted to the service of God (see on Romans 1:7). Holiness is the manifestation of a life in perfect agreement with God. “As God is holy in His sphere, so fallen man, through faith in Christ, is to be holy in his sphere” (AA 559).

Beloved. That is, beloved by God.

Bowels. Gr. splagchna, “the inward parts,” metaphorically, the seat of the emotions.

Mercies. Gr. oiktirmoi, “tenderest compassions” (see on Romans 12:1). A heart of compassion is a distinguishing feature of true Christianity.

Kindness. Gr. chrestotes, “goodness,” “gentleness,” “excellence” (see Romans 3:12; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 2:7). This word expresses love in action (1 Corinthians 13:4). It is descriptive of gentle, gracious, kindly consideration, both in disposition and action, toward the needs of one’s neighbor.

Humbleness of mind. Gr. tapeinophrosune (see on Acts 20:19; Ephesians 4:2). Compare the use of the word in Philippians 2:3; 1 Peter 5:5. In Colossians 2:18, 23 the word describes false humility. The child of God “should labor constantly for humbleness of mind and that meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price” (2T 288).

Meekness. Meekness is the absence of self-justification, the opposite of self-assertion. It is a mild and kindly equanimity. Our Saviour, during His hours of bitterest trial, was the perfect example of true meekness (see DA 734). This pattern the true Christian must strive to emulate in his daily life (see DA 354). See on Matthew 5:5; cf. Galatians 5:23.

Longsuffering. Gr. makrothumia, “patience,” “patient endurance.” Compare the use of the related verb, makrothumed, in 1 Corinthians 13:4; James 5:7. Makrothumia depicts utmost restraint, long-protracted refusal of the soul to yield to any passion, particularly anger. Compare on 2 Corinthians 6:6; Colossians 1:11.