Love begins by clearing out bitterness, anger, and harsh words.
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”Ephesians 4:31 (KJV)
What does “Putting away” mean in Ephesians 4:31?
Paul lists six things to get rid of: bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and malice. The verse comes just before his call to kindness and forgiveness.
Going deeper
Paul writes, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. It reads like a list of things that poison relationships. Bitterness is old hurt that has soured. Anger and wrath are hot feelings that need cooling. Clamour is noisy shouting. Evil speaking is talk that harms. And malice is the wish to hurt. Paul says all of it must go. The next verse tells us what to put in its place.
Ask honestly which of these you are carrying. Bitterness often hides behind a smile. Try naming one hurt you have been holding, and take it to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you let it go, and to replace it with kindness. You may need to forgive, or to have a conversation, or to apologize. Putting away is an act, not just a feeling. Choose one thing to put away this week.
Reflect
Which of these six things do you most need to put away, and what would be the first step?
Pray
Lord, I put away bitterness, anger, and harsh words. Cleanse my heart, and fill it with Your kindness. In Jesus' name, amen.
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