Paul moves from the vices we should put off to the virtues we should put on. Paul refers to the believers in Colossae as God’s chosen ones who are holy and beloved. Holiness has two parts, positionally we are holy before God because of Christ’s work on the cross, but behaviourally we are holy only when we choose to live in the Spirit and manifest Christ’s character which includes the virtues listed here. All these traits are in stark contrast to the way unbelievers generally choose to live. Compassionate hearts is having a tender disposition towards others. Jesus wept for both believers (John 11:35) and unbelievers (Luke 19:42). Kindness is compassion in action. Jesus’ compassion moved to action as He reached out, engaged with, ate with, touched, and healed people (Matt 14:14; Luke 7:13-14). Humility is not to think too highly of yourself and in this case to set the needs of others above yourself. Jesus’ whole life was lived in humility (Mark 10:45; Phil 2:3-8). Meekness is not weakness, but strength restrained and being gentle. Jesus with all the strength of God restrained Himself and meekly submitted Himself to the cross for our sake (Isaiah 53:7). Patience or longsuffering is self-restraint and the ability to endure wrongs against yourself. Jesus was patient with His disciples who were slow to learn (John 14:8-9), patient with His enemies at the cross (1 Pet 2:23), and patient to this day not wanting anyone to perish (2 Pet 3:9). Bearing with one another is bringing these virtues to bear specifically in our relationships within the church. When we wrong each other we must forgive each other as Christ forgave us—that is unconditionally and completely (Mat 18:21-22). The overarching virtue that contains all of the above is love (1 Cor 13:13). Jesus said love would be the mark of His disciples (John 13:34-35) as He demonstrated unconditional love (John 3:16).
“In one’s catalog of virtues love should be the cover, because it is of supreme importance and is the perfect bond, holding them all together in perfect unity.”—Geisler, N.L.
The peace of God is different from peace with God. All believers have peace with God in that we are eternally secure in our salvation, no matter what we choose to do. But we can choose to rebel against his commands which will mean we no longer have the peace of God in our lives, instead we face discipline from God. When we are in fellowship with God and other believers, then we will experience the peace of God. This should cause us to be thankful.
Again we see Paul emphasise the importance of the Word of God. God’s word should live in our hearts so that it is the source of all our decisions. Then God’s word should impact others through us as we teach and admonish others with Scriptural wisdom. The word of God within us should bubble out in singing psalms, and other spiritual songs all from a bed of thankfulness to God.
In closing, Paul reminds us that everything we do, whether it is what we say or how we at should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. We should speak and act like Jesus just like an ambassador speaks on behalf of their country, we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). Everything we do should be done with an attitude of thankfulness to God.

Which Christlike trait do you need to put on? Which passages of Scripture that highlight this trait can you meditate on to help you? Remember it’s not about trying harder but about letting God work in you through His word.