⁷ So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God.

⁴⁴ For I am the Lord your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. So do not defile yourselves with any of these small animals that scurry along the ground.

² “Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

¹⁵ But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. ¹⁶ For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”^[a]

⁴ Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

⁷ God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.

¹² Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

A Call to Listen to God

¹⁴ Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

³ God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.

Shine Brightly for Christ

¹² Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.