Ephesians 4:17–32

Living as Children of Light

¹⁷Here is what I’m telling you. I am speaking for the Lord as I warn you. You must no longer live like those who aren’t Jews. Their thoughts don’t have any purpose. ¹⁸They can’t understand the truth. They are separated from the life of God. That is because they don’t know him. And they don’t know him because their hearts are stubborn.

¹⁹They have lost all feeling for what is right. They have given themselves over to the evil pleasures of their bodies. They take part in every kind of unclean act. And they always long for more.

²⁰But that is not what you have learned about Christ. ²¹I’m sure you heard of him. I’m sure you were taught by him. What you learned was the truth about Jesus.

²²You were taught not to live the way you used to. You must get rid of your old way of life. That’s because it is polluted by longing for things that lead you down the wrong path.

²³You were taught to be made new in your thinking. ²⁴You were taught to start living a new life. It is created to be truly good and holy, just as God is.

²⁵So each of you must get rid of your lying. Speak the truth to your neighbor. We are all parts of one body.

²⁶Scripture says, “When you are angry, do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. ²⁷Don’t give the devil a chance.

²⁸Those who have been stealing must never steal again. Instead, they must work. They must do something useful with their own hands. Then they will have something to give to people in need.

²⁹Don’t let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen.

³⁰Do not make God’s Holy Spirit sad. He marked you with a seal for the day when God will set you completely free.

³¹Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying. Put away every form of hatred. ³²Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive each other, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done.