Colossians teaches the truth.
Philemon puts it into practice.
And together, these letters show us that transformation in Christ is not just
spiritual—it is visible.
It affects how we think, how we talk, how we treat people, and how we respond
when life squeezes us.
Transformed Christians look likeJesus.
Not just in theology.
But in tone.
In temperament.
In character.
These two books are not long.
But they are loud about what it means to live changed.
Transformation
Starts With Who Jesus Is
Paul opens Colossians by exalting Jesus—not in a vague way,
but in a way that makes everything else small by comparison:
“He is the image of the invisible
God... all things were created through Him and for Him.”
(Colossians 1:15–16)
Everything we are flows from who Jesus is.
He is the fullness.
The head of the Church.
The One who reconciles all things.
When we understand that, we stop trying to change ourselves
in our own strength.
We start yielding to the power of the One who holds all things
together—including us.
The
Traits of a Transformed Life Are Clear
Paul does not leave us guessing.
He lists the traits of a life truly surrendered:
“As God’s chosen people, holy and
dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
It is a wardrobe change.
We do not wear pride anymore—we put on humility.
We do not wear harshness—we put on gentleness.
We do not wear indifference—we put on compassion.
We do not carry offense—we walk in forgiveness.
Paul says:
- Love binds it all together
- Peace rules in our hearts
- Thankfulness flows from our lips
This is not cosmetic.
This is character change.
This is what happens when Christ lives in us and we live like it.
Philemon
Shows What Transformation Looks Like in Real Life
Then there is Philemon—a private letter with a public
message.
Paul writes on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who
encountered Jesus and became a new man.
Paul appeals to Philemon, his spiritual brother, to welcome Onesimus back—not
as property, but as family.
“Perhaps the reason he was separated
from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—no longer
as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.”
(Philemon 15–16)
This is what transformation does:
It redefines relationships.
It challenges culture.
It forgives offense.
It restores dignity.
Paul does not demand.
He appeals with love.
Just like Jesus does with us.
A
Transformed Life Makes the Gospel Visible
The world does not just need to hear our beliefs.
It needs to see our change.
When we:
- Forgive when we could get even
- Serve when no one says thank you
- Stay kind when others go cold
- Live grateful when life is heavy
- Treat people like image-bearers, not problems
—we are showing the traits of Jesus.
That is what these letters call us to.
Live
Transformed. Let the Traits of Christ Live Through You.
Colossians gives us the blueprint.
Philemon gives us the example.
And the Holy Spirit gives us the power.
So I ask myself:
- Am I wearing the right spiritual clothes?
- Do people see Jesus in the way I respond?
- Am I being ruled by peace and motivated by love?
Because the gospel is not just for my mind.
It is for my daily life.
Let transformation show.
Let Jesus be visible.
Let your life be the letter.