Ephesians 5:1–20

Imitate God

¹Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. ²Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God. 

³Don’t let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you. This is not appropriate behavior for God’s holy people. ⁴It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks ⸤to God⸥. ⁵You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ⁶Don’t let anyone deceive you with meaningless words. It is because of sins like these that God’s anger comes to those who refuse to obey him. ⁷Don’t be partners with them. 

⁸Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. ⁹Light produces everything that is good, that has God’s approval, and that is true. ¹⁰Determine which things please the Lord. ¹¹Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. ¹²It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret. ¹³Light exposes the true character of everything ¹⁴because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says: 

“Wake up, sleeper! 

Rise from the dead, 

and Christ will shine on you.”^a

¹⁵So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. ¹⁶Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. ¹⁷So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. ¹⁸Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit^b19by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. ²⁰Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.