Matthew Henry Commentary Colossians 3:12-17

"Put on therefore, as God`s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things [put on] love, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms [and] hymns [and] spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." — Colossians 3:12-17 (ASV)

We must not only do no harm to anyone, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be humble and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise.

But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is His work in all who belong to Him. Thanksgiving to God helps to make us agreeable to all people.

The gospel is the word of Christ. Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no power over them. The soul prospers when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ. But when we sing psalms, we must be affected by what we sing. Whatever we do, let us do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on Him.

Those who do all in Christ's name will never lack reason for thanksgiving to God, the Father.