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22 You were taught not to live the way you used to. You must get rid of your old way of life. That’s because it has been made impure by the desire for things that lead you astray. 23 You were taught to be made new in your thinking. 24 You were taught to start living a new life. It is created to be truly good and holy, just as God is.

25 So each of you must get rid of your lying. Speak the truth to your neighbor. We are all parts of one body. 26 Scripture says, “When you are angry, do not sin.” (Psalm 4:4) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. 27 Don’t give the devil a chance. 28 Anyone who has 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.

29 Don’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. 30 Do not make God’s Holy Spirit mourn. The Holy Spirit is the proof that you belong to God. And the Spirit is the proof that God will set you completely free. 31 Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying. Don’t have anything to do with any kind of hatred. 32 Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done. You are the children that God dearly loves. So follow his example. Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off(A) your old self,(B) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;(C) 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;(D) 24 and to put on(E) the new self,(F) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(G)

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully(H) to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.(I) 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]:(J) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.(K) 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,(L) doing something useful with their own hands,(M) that they may have something to share with those in need.(N)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(O) but only what is helpful for building others up(P) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(Q) with whom you were sealed(R) for the day of redemption.(S) 31 Get rid of(T) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(U) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(V) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(W) Follow God’s example,(X) therefore, as dearly loved children(Y) and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us(Z) and gave himself up for us(AA) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(AB)

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)