¹³ When you were dead in your sins^(A) and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you^[a] alive^(B) with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,^{(C) 14} having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,^(D) which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.^(E)

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin,^(A) and the power of sin is the law.^{(B) 57} But thanks be to God!^(C) He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.^(D)

Faith in the Incarnate Son of God

5 Everyone who believes^(A) that Jesus is the Christ^(B) is born of God,^(C) and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.^{(D) 2} This is how we know^(E) that we love the children of God:^(F) by loving God and carrying out his commands. ³ In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.^(G) And his commands are not burdensome,^{(H) 4} for everyone born of God^(I) overcomes^(J) the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.^(K)

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm^(A) in the faith; be courageous; be strong.^{(B) 14} Do everything in love.^(C)

⁷ Do not be deceived:^(A) God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.^{(B) 8} Whoever sows to please their flesh,^(C) from the flesh will reap destruction;^(D) whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.^{(E) 9} Let us not become weary in doing good,^(F) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.^{(G) 10} Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good^(H) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family^(I) of believers.

¹⁷ This is how love is made complete^(A) among us so that we will have confidence^(B) on the day of judgment:^(C) In this world we are like Jesus. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,^(D) because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.