For he chose us in our union with Christ before the creation of the universe, that we might be holy and blameless in his sight, living in the spirit of love.

Yet God, in his abundant compassion, and because of the great love with which he loved us,

Even though we were 'dead' because of our offenses, gave Life to us in giving Life to the Christ. (By God's loving-kindness you have been saved.)

So that the Christ, through your faith, may make his home within your hearts in love; And I pray that you, now firmly rooted and established, may, with all Christ's People,

And to understand--though it surpasses all understanding--the love of the Christ; and so be filled to the full with God himself.

I urge you, then--I who am a prisoner in the Master's cause-- to live lives worthy of the Call that you have received;

But holding the truth in a spirit of love, we shall grow into complete union with him who is our Head--Christ himself.

For from him the whole Body, closely joined and knit together by the contact of every part with the source of its life, derives its power to grow, in proportion to the vigor of each individual part; and so is being built up in a spirit of love.

This, then, as one in union with the Lord, I say to you and urge upon you: Do not continue to live such purposeless lives as the Gentiles live,

With their powers of discernment darkened, cut off from the Life of God, owing to the ignorance that prevails among them and to the hardness of their hearts.

And live a life of love, following the example of the Christ, who loved you and gave himself for you as 'an offering and a sacrifice to God, that should be fragrant and acceptable.'

For, although you were once in Darkness, now, by your union with the Lord, you are in the Light. Live as 'Children of Light'- -

For the outcome of life in the Light may be seen in every form of goodness, righteousness, and sincerity--

Take great care, then, how you live--not unwisely but wisely,

Husbands, love your wives, just as the Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for her,

That is how husbands ought to love their wives--as if they were their own bodies. A man who loves his wife is really loving himself;

However, for you individually, let each love his wife as if she were himself; and the wife be careful to respect her husband.

So that thou mayest prosper and have a long life on earth.'

May God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ give our Brothers peace, and love linked with faith.

May God's blessing be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.