8. But now put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and using evil words when you talk.
9. Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before.
10. You have begun to live the new life. In your new life you are being made new. You are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God.
11. In the new life there is no difference between Greeks and Jews. There is no difference between those who are circumcised and those who are not circumcised, or people that are foreigners, or Scythians. There is no difference between slaves and free people. But Christ is in all believers. And Christ is all that is important.
12. God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So always do these things: Show mercy to others; be kind, humble, gentle, and patient.
13. Do not be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, then forgive him. Forgive each other because the Lord forgave you.
14. Do all these things; but most important, love each other. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity.
15. Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. You were all called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful.
16. Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and strengthen each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17. Everything you say and everything you do should all be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.
18. Wives, be under the authority of your husbands. This is the right thing to do in the Lord.
19. Husbands, love your wives, and be gentle to them.
20. Children, obey your parents in all things. This pleases the Lord.
21. Fathers, do not nag your children. If you are too hard to please, they may want to stop trying.