Through Him He picked us out before the creation of the world, to be consecrated and above reproach in His sight in love.

But God, who is so rich in mercy on account of the great love He has for us,

has made us, though dead because of our shortcomings, live again in fellowship with Christ -- it is by His unmerited favor that you have been saved.

and that Christ in His love, through your faith, may make His permanent home in your hearts. You must be deeply rooted, your foundations must be strong,

yes, to come at last to know the love of Christ, although it far surpasses human understanding, so that you may be filled with the perfect fullness of God.

So I, a prisoner for the Lord's sake, entreat you to live lives worthy of the call you have received,

But, on the other hand, we shall go on holding to the truth and in love growing up into perfect union with Him, that is, Christ Himself who is the Head.

For it is under His direction that the whole body is perfectly adjusted and united by every joint that furnishes its supplies; and by the proper functioning of each particular part there is brought about the growing of the body for its building up in love.

with darkened understanding, estranged from the life of God because of the ignorance that exists among them and because of the stubbornness of their hearts;

and practice living in love, just as Christ loved you too and gave Himself for you as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

For at one time you were darkness itself, but now in union with the Lord you are light itself. You must live like children of light,

So you must be very careful how you live, not thoughtlessly but thoughtfully,

You married women must continue to live in subordination to your husbands, as you do to the Lord,

You married men must love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her,

This is the way married men ought to love their wives, as they do their own bodies. The married man who loves his wife is really loving himself,

But each one of you married men must love his wife as he loves himself, and the married woman, too, must respect her husband.

"so that you may prosper and live a long life on earth."

Peace to the brothers and love with faith, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritual blessing be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.