We are fallen people living in a fallen world, and no matter how hard we try, we all fall short. We hurt one another, say things we wish we could take back, and sometimes allow our emotions to lead us where they shouldn’t.
That’s why Paul tells us to get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, and every form of malice. This world is already filled with enough hatred and hurt without us adding to it.
When we allow bitterness to take root, anger to grow, or resentment to settle into our hearts, we may think we’re holding onto what someone did to us, but we’re really allowing it to hold onto us. And it’s hard to be free when our hearts are filled with things God is asking us to release.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be better and to do better. Not because we’re perfect, but because we’ve been shown a better way. Jesus didn’t respond to hatred with hatred. He answered cruelty with love, rejection with grace, and sin with forgiveness.
We may not be able to change the wickedness around us, but we can choose what we add to it. Let’s lay down the bitterness, anger, and malice and let the character of Christ shine through us. In a world desperately searching for something better, may they see the better way in the way we live.
