Put On the New Self
“17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians urges us to put on the new self. Though we have become new creations in Christ, remnants of our old self—our former ways shaped by desires and temptations—still linger. Spiritual maturity is a gradual process, but it also requires decisive moments where, through the work of the Holy Spirit, we actively put off the old self and put on the new.
This transformation is reflected in our actions, attitudes, and how we treat others. It is not just about avoiding sin but about actively doing good and serving others. One of the clearest indicators of this change is the way we speak.
Our words are not just a matter of politeness or social etiquette but the fruit of a heart transformed by God’s grace. The same grace by which God forgave us in Christ reshapes our inner being, our perspective on others, and the way we speak. Our words should build up and bless, reflecting the grace we have received. As we meditate on this message today, let us ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to fully put on the new self so that our lives and our words may be transformed.
Prayer: Lord, we long for Your grace and ask that You renew our inner being. May this renewal be evident in how we see the world, how we see others, and how we speak. Let our words reflect Your love, and may our lives testify to the transformation You bring. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)