[1] Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. [2] And walk in
love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering
and sacrifice to God. [3] But fornication and all impurity or covetousness
must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. [4] Let there
be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but
instead let there be thanksgiving. [5] Be sure of this, that no fornicator
or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has any
inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you
with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God
comes upon the sons of disobedience. [7] Therefore do not associate with
them, [8] for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord;
walk as children of light [9] (for the fruit of light is found in all that
is good and right and true), [10] and try to learn what is pleasing to the
Lord. [11] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead
expose them. [12] For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they
do in secret; [13] but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes
visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. [14] Therefore it is
said, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you
light." [15] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as
wise, [16] making the most of the time, because the days are evil. [17]
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
[18] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled
with the Spirit, [19] addressing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart,
[20] always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ to God the Father. [21] Be subject to one another out of reverence
for Christ. [22] Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. [23]
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the
church, his body, and is himself its Savior. [24] As the church is subject
to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself
up for her, [26] that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the
washing of water with the word, [27] that he might present the church to
himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she
might be holy and without blemish. [28] Even so husbands should love their
wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. [29] For no
man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ
does the church, [30] because we are members of his body. [31] "For this
reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh." [32] This mystery is a profound one,
and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church; [33] however, let
each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she
respects her husband.
