Ephesians 6

1Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is right.

2Honor your father and mother. This is the first command that comes with a promise:

3So that things will go well with you, and you will live a long time on the earth.

4Fathers, do not make your children angry. Instead, bring them up with the teaching and training of the Lord.

5Servants, obey your earthly masters with respect and care, and with an honest heart, as if you were obeying Christ.

6Do not obey only when they are watching, to win their favor. Instead, work as servants of Christ, doing what God wants with all your heart.

7Serve with a good attitude, as if you were serving the Lord and not people.

8Remember that the Lord will reward each person for the good that person does, whether that person is a slave or free.

9Masters, treat your servants in the same good way. Do not threaten them. Remember that the Master of both you and them is in heaven, and He treats everyone the same.

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the tricks of the devil.

12For our fight is not against people. It is against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13So put on the full armor of God, so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to keep standing.

14So stand firm. Wear the belt of truth, and the chest-armor of right living.

15On your feet, wear the readiness that comes from the good news of peace.

16Most important of all, take up the shield of faith. With it you can stop all the burning arrows of the evil one.

17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and request. Stay alert, and keep on praying for all God's people.

19And pray for me too, that whenever I speak, God will give me the right words, so that I can boldly make known the secret of the good news.

20I am its messenger, even though I am in chains. Pray that I may tell it boldly, as I should.

21Tychicus will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. He is a dear brother and a faithful worker in the Lord.

22I am sending him to you for this very reason: so that you may know how we are, and so that he may encourage your hearts.

23May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give peace to the brothers and sisters, and love together with faith.

24May grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love that never dies. Amen.