Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. – Ephesian 4:31
There are things that do not mix, like oil and vinegar, and things that are incompatible like heat and snow. Likewise, for the Christian, the new life does not mix well with the old life. Bitterness and resentment do not mix with gratitude and forgiveness. Wrath or rage cannot coexist with gentleness and hope. Clamor and agitation do not meld with patience and peace. Animosity and slander do not align with love and kindness. Malice or cruelty is opposed to kindness and encouragement.
It is no wonder that Paul says to get rid of these ungodly behaviors. Consider them as nasty as spoiled food in your refrigerator. As believers grow in the character of Christ, ungodly behaviors and attitudes will melt like snow in ninety-degree weather. As you walk in the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will grow in your life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Set your heart and mind to walk in the Spirit and let the Lord cultivate His character in you. Intercede for believers in the United States that they walk in the Spirit and exhibit His fruit, particularly around people with whom they disagree. Pray for unbelievers to yearn for the Lord, turn to Christ, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Today’s Verse: Ephesian 4:31
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 4:25-32
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
