Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. Ephesians 4:31
When the World Trade Center towers fell on September 11, 2001, Greg Rodriguez was one of the victims who died in the wreckage. As his mother, Phyllis, and his father grieved, they also carefully considered their response to such a horrific attack. In 2002, Phyllis met Aicha el-Wafi, the mother of one of the men accused of helping the terrorists. Phyllis said she “approached her and opened my arms. We embraced and cried. . . . For Aicha and me, there was an immediate bonding. . . . We both suffered on account of our sons.”
Phyllis met Aicha amid shared pain and sorrow. Phyllis believed that fury over her son’s death, appropriate as it was, could not heal her anguish. Listening to Aicha’s family story, Phyllis felt compassion, resisting the temptation to view them merely as enemies. She desired justice, but believed we must release the temptation to seek revenge that often grips us when we’ve been wronged.
The apostle Paul shared this conviction, admonishing us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger . . . along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31). As we relinquish these destructive powers, God’s Spirit fills us with new perspective. “Be kind and compassionate to one another,” Paul says (v. 32). It’s possible to work for wrongs to be made right while also refusing rageful vengeance. May the Spirit help us show compassion that overcomes bitterness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfullyu to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.v 26 “In your anger do not sin”d:w Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.x 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,y doing something useful with their own hands,z that they may have something to share with those in need.a
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,b but only what is helpful for building others upc according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,d with whom you were sealede for the day of redemption.f 31 Get rid ofg all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.h 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,i forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.j
INSIGHT
- Where have you been held captive by bitterness, rage, or anger?
- How can God help you live out compassion rather than vengeance?
In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul called his readers to set aside sinful ways and be “kind and compassionate” (v. 32). Why? Because our God is “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6), and we’re to be like Him. King Hezekiah reiterated God’s attributes as “gracious and compassionate” (2 Chronicles 30:9), as did the prophets Nehemiah, Joel, and Jonah (Nehemiah 9:17; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2). Likewise, the psalmist David proclaimed, “You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15; see 103:8; 111:4; 145:8). The apostle Paul urged us to “follow God’s example . . . as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1–2). But we can’t do it on our own; we have the Holy Spirit to guide us (John 14:26).
PRAYER
Dear God, there’s so much wrong in the world. Please help me be filled with compassion instead of bitterness. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4
