1I therefore , the prisoner in the Lord , beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called , 2with all lowliness and meekness , with longsuffering , forbearing one another in love; 3giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . 4There is one body , and one Spirit , even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling ; 5one Lord , one faith , one baptism, 6one God and Father of all , who is over all , and through all , and in all .
Diversity of Gifts
7But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ . 8Wherefore he saith , When he ascended on high , he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men . 9( Now this , He ascended , what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth ? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens , that he might fill all things .) 11And he gave some to be apostles; and some , prophets ; and some , evangelists ; and some , pastors and teachers ; 12for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering , unto the building up of the body of Christ :
Maturity in Christ
13till we all attain unto the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a fullgrown man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ : 14that we may be no longer children , tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine , by the sleight of men , in craftiness , after the wiles of error ; 15but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him , who is the head , even Christ ; 16from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth , according to the working in due measure of each several part , maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.
Living as New Creations
17This I say therefore , and testify in the Lord , that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk , in the vanity of their mind , 18being darkened in their understanding , alienated from the life of God , because of the ignorance that is in them , because of the hardening of their heart ; 19who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness . 20But ye did not so learn Christ ; 21if so be that ye heard him , and were taught in him , even as truth is in Jesus : 22that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 23and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind , 24and put on the new man , that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
Practical Instructions for Christian Living
25Wherefore , putting away falsehood , speak ye truth each one with his neighbor : for we are members one of another . 26Be ye angry , and sin not : let not the sun go down upon your wrath : 27neither give place to the devil . 28Let him that stole steal no more : but rather let him labor , working with his hands the thing that is good , that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need . 29Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth , but such as is good for edifying as the need may be , that it may give grace to them that hear. 30And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God , in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness , and wrath , and anger , and clamor , and railing, be put away from you , with all malice : 32and be ye kind one to another , tenderhearted , forgiving each other , even as God also in Christ forgave you .