Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

He exhorts them to love. He warns them to beware of uncleanness, covetousness, foolish talking, and false counsel; to be circumspect, to avoid drunkenness, to rejoice and to be thankful to God, and to submit themselves one to another. He teaches how women should obey their husbands, and how lovingly men ought to treat their wives.

5 Be followers of God as dear children, ² and walk in love, even as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet savour to God.

³ As for fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let them not be once named among you, as it becomes saints. ⁴ Nor should there be coarseness, or foolish talking, or jestings which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. ⁵ For this you know, that no whoremonger or unclean person, or covetous person (who is an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

⁶ Let no person deceive you with vain words. For through such things comes the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief. ⁷ Therefore do not be companions with them. ⁸ You were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. ⁹ For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.