What does Ephesians 4:25 mean?

The second half of the book of Ephesians is meant to be practical: living out the ideas Paul has been explaining. The use of the word "therefore" follows that theme. Using "therefore" is a signal that whatever has just been taught leads directly to the conclusion which follows. In prior verses, Paul has described sin as both corrupting and deceptive. Since Christians are called to live lives distinctly different than we did prior to our salvation, Paul concludes that "the new self" includes putting away falsehood. This means not being self-deceptive, dishonest, or scheming in our Christian lives.

In Jesus, there is no falsehood (John 7:18). Practicing falsehood is associated with unbelievers who will receive punishment (Revelation 22:15). Instead, Paul teaches his readers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), emphasizing truth in this verse. The mention of neighbor may allude to the biblical teaching to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Paul's reason for this command is partly based on the relationships believers have with one another. The Greek word translated "members" is the word generally used regarding parts of the body. Paul often uses the human body as an analogy for the church, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). We are to treat one another well as believers because we belong to one another and are ultimately one body.