Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice”
The previous passage spoke about grieving the Holy Spirit. This is the type of behaviour that saddens God. Here Paul challenges us to put it away. That is great imagery, “put it away”.
Paul’s words makes me think of someone tinkering in a workshop. There are many tools that can get the job done. Some pieces may need to be cut. To do this saws or snips are probably the way to go, depending on the material. A hammer may work, but the job would be rough, if not wrecked. The mentor looks on and says, “put the hammer away”.
Paul lists some traits that are negative: bitterness, wrath, clamor and slander. These are not the right tools. They are the result of hurt and anger. Paul says that in our dealings with others, they are to be put away. If they are used we might get our way, but damaged or wrecked relationships will be the result.
How do we put these things away? Do we set them down like tools in a shed? It depends. These are some high energy emotions (bitterness, wrath, …). If we are experiencing these feelings with the person we are dealing with, then putting them away takes some work. Matthew 5:23, 24 says, “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” Whatever is driving the anger needs to be dealt with.
If we angry at someone else, but letting that influence innocent relationships, then we are to set it down. We may need to do some things to manage the difficult emotions in our lives, but we need to keep that seperate. In fact, those not involved might refresh us, if we allow them. This is part of building one another up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” These may or may not be fellow believers. God uses us all. If we are feeling frustrated, it helps to back off and let others do the influencing with their personality and style.
Lord, help us to manage our lives and relationships in such a way that we can put away the anger and bitterness. Thank You that You help us with these difficult tasks. Thank You for the wonderful relationships that refresh us.