Putting to the test what is well-pleasing unto the Lord;

That it may come to be, well with thee, and thou shalt be long-lived upon the land.

Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind].

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];

Banish from among you all bitterness and passion and anger and clamor and slander, as well as all malice;

For be well assured that no one guilty of fornication or impurity or covetousness which is idolatry, has any heritage in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

But so that you may have knowledge of my business, and how I am, Tychicus, the well-loved brother and tested servant in the Lord, will give you news of all things: