15 Things to Put On: Living the New Life in Christ

Based on Colossians 3:1–17

In Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul reminds believers of their new identity in Christ. If you are a follower of Jesus, your entire way of thinking and living is meant to shift—from an earthly, temporal mindset to a heavenly, eternal one, from the old self to the new.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God…” (Colissuabs 3:1).

This passage challenges us to put off the old and put on the new. It’s more than behavior modification—it’s about reflecting Christ as His people.

What to Put On: 15 Virtues of the New Life

Paul gives us a practical list of what the new life looks like. These aren’t random character traits; they are a portrait of Jesus Himself—the One we follow, the One who lives in us.

1. The New Self
   You are being renewed in knowledge after the image of your Creator (v. 10). This means continual transformation—not perfection overnight, but a steady becoming. Jesus is the perfect image of God (Heb. 1:3), showing us what it means to live fully surrendered and Spirit-filled.
   
2. Compassionate Hearts
   Jesus was constantly moved by compassion for the broken and lost (Matthew 9:36). He didn’t just see crowds—He saw souls.
   
3. Kindness
   Christ’s kindness wasn’t passive—it healed, welcomed, restored. He never turned away a humble heart.
   
4. Humility
   Though He was God, Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death (Philippians 2:5–8). He washed feet and bore a cross—true greatness through meekness.
   
5. Meekness
   Jesus was gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). He had all power, yet He restrained it for the good of others.
   
6. Patience
   He bore with Peter’s failures, Thomas’s doubts, and the crowds’ misunderstandings. He still bears with us today.
   
7. Bearing with One Another
   We’re not perfect—but neither were Jesus’ disciples. He didn’t give up on them. Let’s not give up on each other.
   
8. Forgiveness
   “Father, forgive them...” (Luke 23:34). That was Jesus’ prayer on the cross. That same mercy is ours to give.
   
9. Love
   Above all, put on love, Paul writes (v. 14). Love is the bond of unity—the glue of Christian community. “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
   
10. Peace of Christ
    Let His peace rule—take charge—in your heart (v. 15). Even in chaos, Jesus is the calm.
    
11. Thankfulness
    Gratitude appears three times in three verses. Thankfulness is how we fight entitlement, bitterness, and fear.
    
12. Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly
    Saturate your life in Scripture. Don’t just skim—dwell. Jesus is the Word (John 1:14). Know Him deeply.
    
13. Teach and Admonish in Wisdom
    Our words should build up and lead others toward truth. Jesus taught with wisdom and grace, always pointing to the Father.
    
14. Singing with Thankfulness
    Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs—they’re not just for Sunday. Worship should overflow from a thankful heart every day.
    
15. Do Everything in Jesus’ Name
    Whether it’s work, rest, service, or speech—do it all for Christ. Jesus did everything for the Father’s glory (John 17:4). So should we.

So What Are We Leaving Behind?

Before we can put on the new, Paul tells us to put off the old—sinful patterns like:

• Sexual immorality
• Covetousness (idolatry)
• Anger, wrath, malice
• Slander, obscene talk​
• Lies and deception

These no longer belong to us. They belong to the old self, which was crucified with Christ.

Why This Matters

Paul isn’t just giving us a moral checklist—he’s inviting us to become like Christ. Jesus is not only our Savior, He’s our pattern. Every one of these “put on” commands is something Jesus lived perfectly and now empowers us to live by His Spirit. “Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).

This new life is possible because of Him—not your willpower, but His resurrection power in you.

So ask yourself these three questions today: 

1. What do I need to put off today?
2. What Christlike quality do I need to put on?
3. Where is Jesus inviting me to look more like Him?

Let Colossians 3 shape your heart, your habits, and your relationships. When you live clothed in Christ, you don’t just represent Him—you reflect Him.

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

If someone looked at your life today, would they see more of your old self—or the character of Christ we are called to put on?