1I therefore , the prisoner of the Lord , beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called , 2With all lowliness and meekness , with longsuffering , forbearing one another in love ; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . 4There is one body , and one Spirit , even as ye are called in one hope of your calling ; 5One Lord , one faith , one baptism , 6One God and Father of all , who is above all , and through all , and in you all .
Diversity of Gifts
7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ . 8Wherefore he saith , When he ascended up on high , he led captivity captive , and gave gifts unto men . 9( Now that he ascended , what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth ? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens , that he might fill all things .) 11And he gave some , apostles ; and some , prophets ; and some , evangelists ; and some , pastors and teachers ; 12For the perfecting of the saints , for the work of the ministry , for the edifying of the body of Christ :
Maturity in Christ
13Till we all come in the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ : 14That we henceforth be no more children , tossed to and fro , and carried about with every wind of doctrine , by the sleight of men , and cunning craftiness , whereby they lie in wait to deceive ; 15But speaking the truth in love , may grow up into him in all things , which is the head , even Christ : 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth , according to the effectual working in the measure of every part , maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love .
Living as New Creations
17This I say therefore , and testify in the Lord , that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk , in the vanity of their mind , 18Having the understanding darkened , being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them , because of the blindness of their heart : 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness , to work all uncleanness with greediness . 20But ye have not so learned Christ ; 21If so be that ye have heard him , and have been taught by him , as the truth is in Jesus : 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man , which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts ; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind ; 24And that ye put on the new man , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness .
Practical Instructions for Christian Living
25Wherefore putting away lying , speak every man truth with his neighbour : 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 labour , working with his hands the thing which is good , that he may have to give to him that needeth . 29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth , but that which is good to the use of edifying , that it may minister grace unto the hearers . 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God , whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption . 31Let all bitterness , and wrath , and anger , and clamour , and evil speaking , be put away from you , with all malice : 32And be ye kind one to another , tenderhearted , forgiving one another , even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you .