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Rules for the New Life

25 So then, putting away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another.(A) 26 Be angry but do not sin;[a] do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not make room for the devil. 28 Those who steal must give up stealing; rather, let them labor, doing good work with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up,[b] as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.(B) 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice.(C) 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.[c](D) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children,(E) and walk in love, as Christ loved us[d] and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(F)

Footnotes

  1. 4.26 Or If you are angry, do not sin
  2. 4.29 Other ancient authorities read building up faith
  3. 4.32 Other ancient authorities read us
  4. 5.2 Other ancient authorities read you

25 Therefore, after you have gotten rid of lying, Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor[a] because we are parts of each other in the same body. 26 Be angry without sinning.[b] Don’t let the sun set on your anger. 27 Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil. 28 Thieves should no longer steal. Instead, they should go to work, using their hands to do good so that they will have something to share with whoever is in need.

29 Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say. 30 Don’t make the Holy Spirit of God unhappy—you were sealed by him for the day of redemption. 31 Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. 32 Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.

Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God.