5 1As most beloved children of God, strive to imitate him. 2Follow the way of love, the example of Christ who loved you. He gave Himself up for us and became the offering and sacrificial victim whose fragrance rises to God. 3And since you are holy, there must not be among you even a hint of sexual immorality or greed, or any kind of impurity: these should not be named among you. 4So too for scandalous words, nonsense and foolishness, which are not fitting; instead offer thanksgiving to God.
5Know this: no depraved, impure or covetous person who serves the god "Money" shall have part in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for these are the sins which God is about to condemn in people who do not obey. 7Do not associate with such people. 8You were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Behave as children of light; 9the fruits of light are kindness, justice and truth in every form.
10You yourselves search out what pleases the Lord. 11and take no part in works of darkness that are of no benefit; expose them instead. 12Indeed it is a shame even to speak of what those people do in secret, 13but as soon as it is exposed to the light, everything becomes clear; and what is unmasked, becomes clear through light. 14Therefore it is said:
15Pay attention to how you behave. Do not live as the unwise do, but as responsible persons. 16Try to make good use of the present time, because these days are evil. 17So do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18Do not get drunk: wine leads to levity; but be filled with the Holy Spirit. 19Gather together to pray with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and celebrate the Lord in your heart, 20giving thanks to God the Father in the name of Christ, Jesus, our Lord, always and for everything.
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