{f} Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, {g} bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

(f) Put on in such a way, that you never put off.

(g) Those most tender affections of exceeding compassion.

People's New Testament

3:12 Put on, therefore, as the elect of God. As a chosen, holy and beloved nation, put on these graces.

Bowels of mercies. A heart of compassion (Revised Version).

Kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. These are all traits of Christ, and must be found in us if he is our life.

Wesley's Notes

3:12 All who are thus renewed are elected of God, holy, and therefore the more beloved of him. Holiness is the consequence of their election, and God's superior love, of their holiness.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

12. the elect of God-There is no "the" in the Greek, "God's elect" (compare Ro 8:3; 1Th 1:4). The order of the words "elect, holy, beloved," answers to the order of the things. Election from eternity precedes sanctification in time; the sanctified, feeling God's love, imitate it [Bengel].

bowels of mercies-Some of the oldest manuscripts read singular, "mercy." Bowels express the yearning compassion, which has its seat in the heart, and which we feel to act on our inward parts (Ge 43:30; Jer 31:20; Lu 1:78, Margin).

humbleness of mind-True "lowliness of mind"; not the mock "humility" of the false teachers (Col 2:23; Eph 4:2, 32).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:12-17 We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly 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 of his working in all who are his. Thanksgiving to God, helps to make us agreeable to all men. 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 with what we sing. Whatever we are employed about, let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on him. Those who do all in Christ's name, will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father.