We are the beloved of God! Because of this we are created to take on the character of God in all that we do. We are to PUT ON: tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and long suffering (patience). We are to put up with one another! We all have our various oddities and we are to be tolerant with one another. Let's take it a step further--if anyone has wronged you, or if anyone has a complaint against another--forgive! This is not a suggestion--it is a command because we have been forgiven by Christ therefore we also must be instruments of forgiveness.
These things all sound so good but often are hard as relationships can often challenge us in great ways. Yet, the Apostle Paul continues with a powerful final put on--BUT ABOVE ALL--irregardless of anything else--PUT ON LOVE--which is the bond of perfection.
These are choices we make to love and care for one another and those we encounter. Even though we have these choices, Paul continues to encourage us to do two more things--LET the peace of God rule in your heart and LET the Word of the Lord dwell in you. YOU CHOOSE! Doing these things on a daily basis will make a difference in every aspect of your being--body, soul, and spirit!
Finally, let everything you say and everything you do be done in the name of Jesus! When you choose this way of living, God is glorified and your life is encircled with the strength, power and love of Christ, through thanksgiving to God the Father.