1Therefore, be followers of God, as dearly beloved children; 2And let your life be characterized by love, just as Christ has also loved us, and has offered Himself for us, as a sacrifice of pleasing aroma to God. 3But as God’s people, do not let even a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, or other such vile things be among you - 4No obscenity, filthiness, foolish talk, or off-color jokes - none of which are fitting; but, rather, grateful hearts and thanksgiving to God. 5For you know this, that no immoral, unclean, or covetous person (who is really an idolater) will inherit and share in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words; for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon those that are disobedient. 7Therefore, do not participate with them. 8For while you were once darkness, you are now light in the Lord; so live as children of light; 9For the fruit of the Spirit within you is all goodness and righteousness and truth, 10Discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of evil and darkness; but, rather, expose them by your own conduct. 12For it is shameful to even mention those things that are done by them in secret. 13But all things that are exposed to the light are made visible by that light; for the light causes whatever it shines upon to be plainly evident. 14That is why it is said, “Awake, you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” 15Be diligent to live your life as wise, and not as fools. 16Make the best use of your time and opportunities, because the days are evil (full of evil distractions). 17Therefore, do not act thoughtlessly; but understand what the Lord would have you do. 18And do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life and witness; but be filled with the Spirit, 19Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Submit yourselves one to another out of reverence for God. 22Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church; and He is the savior of that body (the church). 24Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, let the wives be subject to their own husbands in everything. 25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for her, 26That He might sanctify and cleanse her (make her – the church - holy) by cleansing her, washed by the water of God’s word; 27That He might present her (the church) to Himself as a radiant and glorious church, not having spot, wrinkle, or any defect; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28In the same way, men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29For no man hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cares for it, just as the Lord nourishes and cares for the church; 30For we are all members of His body. 31For this cause (reason) shall a man leave his father and mother, and be united with his wife, and they two shall become one flesh. 32This is a profound mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. 33Nevertheless, let each of you men love his wife as he loves himself; and the wife should respect and reverence her husband. Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |