Colossians 3

Letting in the light of Christ to transform every corner of the heart

In Colossians 3, the Grace and Truth Study Bible presents Paul’s message as a call to embrace a heavenly identity in Christ, one that radically transforms not just our spiritual status but every practical aspect of life. Paul insists that the believer’s real life is already hidden with Christ in God—meaning that even now, from God’s perspective, we are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. That invisible reality calls for a visible change. Believers are to set their minds on things above and live accordingly.

This means putting to death old patterns that once defined us—sins driven by distorted desires, self-centeredness, and idolatry. Paul speaks of this transformation as stripping off the old humanity and putting on the new. The new humanity is being renewed into the likeness of its Creator, undoing the fractures and divisions of a fallen world.

He then paints a picture of how this new life looks: marked by compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love. It’s not simply moral behavior; it’s the character of Christ being expressed through us. The peace of Christ becomes the ruling presence in our relationships, and gratitude becomes the rhythm of our hearts. Worship, truth, and love now saturate the believer’s whole life—even in the home and workplace. Paul emphasizes that everything we do should be done in the name of Jesus, because everything we do now carries the fragrance of His indwelling presence.

Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
You have been raised with Christ, and your true life is hidden with Me in the heart of God. Though the world may not yet recognize the radiance within you, I see you seated beside Me, adorned with righteousness and filled with My presence. So lift your gaze to where I am, not as an abstract thought but as your present reality. You are no longer tethered to the cravings of your former life. That version of you died, and what now lives is My own life in you.

Let the old garments lie in the dust—the desires that once whispered promises but led only to emptiness. Cast away impurity, greed, and anger. These do not belong to you. You are clothed now in Me—in compassion and kindness, in humility and patience. Just as I forgave you, release others from the debts they owe you. Wrap everything in the bond of My love, which knits hearts together in harmony.

Let My peace rule in your heart, not as a fleeting feeling but as an anchor for your soul. My Word dwells in you richly. It fills your conversations, shapes your thoughts, and even infuses your song. When you speak and when you serve, do it all with the aroma of thanksgiving, for you are now My fragrance in the world.

Let your home reflect My order. In your roles as husband or wife, as child or parent, let love define your posture and gentleness season your tone. Where there was once a power struggle, let mutual submission and sacrificial care be your banner. Even your labor is holy, when offered with sincerity as unto Me. The world may overlook your faithfulness, but I never will. Your reward is secure, for you serve not men but Me.

Verses referenced: Colossians 3:1–17, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 5:5, Romans 1:24–27, Philemon 16

Real Life Analogy
Have you ever walked into a room that had been renovated but still had a faint smell of the old paint or furnishings? At first glance, it looked brand new, but certain lingering details betrayed its past. Then, someone flips on a ceiling fan or opens a window, and slowly that old smell fades, replaced by freshness. That’s what walking in your new identity in Christ is like. Though the old habits may try to linger, they no longer define the space. You are new. And as you let the Spirit breathe through every corner of your life, the air clears, and what remains is only the fragrance of Christ.

Prayer
Father, thank You that my life is hidden with Christ in You. I rest in the reality that I am already seated in the heavenly realms, even when my surroundings suggest otherwise. Thank You for clothing me in Your character, for expressing Your compassion, humility, and love through me. I trust You to live Your life through me in each moment—in my words, my relationships, and even the most ordinary tasks. Let the fragrance of Jesus be unmistakable in my home, my workplace, and my heart. Amen.

Devotional insight credit: Grace and Truth Study Bible (Zondervan, 2021)
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