Colossians 3:10-14 Put on the new self

3:10,11

We are to take off the old self and put on the new self. Note the implication that there is a new self to put on. When we are saved we are born again, there is a real change that takes place within us. Now all this is the work of God, but we still have responsibilities. Man was created in the image of God, but sin marred that image. In Christ the image is being renewed. And it makes no difference whether we are Jews or Gentiles,barbarians or scythians, slave or free. Our human status matters not.Everything depends on Christ, for He is all and is in all.

3:12-14

We are not given more details on what it means to put on the new self. We do this not as a burdensome religious duty, but as “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved”, we are set apart for God’s purposes. So we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness,gentleness and patience, these characteristics are part of the fruit of the Spirit. We are to bear with each other, forgiving one another, for the Lord forgave us. And over all we are to put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.