just as he chose us in the Messiah before the creation of the universe to be holy and blameless in his presence. In love

I never stop giving thanks for you as I mention you in my prayers.

that you once practiced as you lived according to the ways of this present world and according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now active in those who are disobedient.

and how this secret was made known to me through a revelation, just as I wrote about briefly in the past.

which in previous generations was not made known to human beings as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This is that secret:

So then, I ask you not to become discouraged because of my troubles on your behalf, which work toward your glory.

Now to the one who can do infinitely more than all we can ask or imagine according to the power that is working among us

in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body builds itself up in love.

And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you in the Messiah.

So be imitators of God, as his dear children.

Live lovingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.

Do not let sexual sin, impurity of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you, as is proper for saints.

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord.

For the husband is the head of his wife as the Messiah is the head of the church. It is he who is the Savior of the body.

Indeed, just as the church is submissive to the Messiah, so wives must be submissive to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives as the Messiah loved the church and gave himself for it,

In the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself.

For no one has ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, as the Messiah does the church.

But each individual man among you must love his wife as he loves himself; and may the wife fear her husband.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear, trembling, and sincerity, as when you obey the Messiah.

Serve willingly, as if you were serving the Lord and not merely people,

for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare the gospel as boldly as I should.