That is why God says, "When he went up to the highest place, he led captives into captivity and gave gifts to people."

Then we will no longer be little children, tossed like waves and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, or by clever strategies that would lead us astray.

Therefore, stripping off falsehood, "let each of us speak the truth to his neighbor," for we belong to one another.

"Be angry, yet do not sin." Do not let the sun set while you are still angry,

Let no filthy talk be heard from your mouths, but only what is good for building up people and meeting the need of the moment. This way you will administer grace to those who hear you.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, and slander be put away from you, along with all hatred.

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

Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving.

Do not let anyone deceive you with meaningless words, for it is because of these things that God becomes angry with those who disobey.

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

for the fruit that the light produces consists of every form of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

But everything that is exposed to the light becomes visible,

for the light is making everything visible. That is why it says, "Wake up, sleeper! Arise from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.''