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“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
–Colossians 3:8
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Annotation: Paul urges believers to rid themselves of sinful behaviors, including anger, as they put on the new self in Christ.
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Note: Anger is included in a list of behaviors that Christians are called to put away, highlighting its destructive potential.
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This verse is part of a larger passage in Colossians 3, where Paul is instructing the believers on how to live as new people in Christ. In the earlier part of the chapter, Paul urges Christians to set their hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is, and to put to death the old sinful nature (Colossians 3:1-7). Here, in verse 8, he emphasizes the need to rid oneself of destructive behaviors that belong to the "old self" and are incompatible with the new life in Christ.
Key Points in Colossians 3:8:
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“Rid yourselves of all such things as these”: Paul is addressing the believers directly, urging them to remove certain sinful behaviors from their lives. These actions and attitudes are part of the "earthly nature" that believers should cast off because they are inconsistent with their new identity in Christ.
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Anger:
Anger, in this context, refers to a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility that can lead to destructive actions or reactions. It is an emotional response that often leads to sin if not properly managed or controlled.
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Rage:
Rage goes beyond anger—it refers to intense, out-of-control fury or violent outbursts. Paul is warning against letting anger escalate into rage, which can be harmful to relationships and to one's witness as a Christian.
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Malice:
Malice is a deeper, more malicious attitude—having a desire to harm others, either physically or emotionally. It involves ill-will and a disposition to hurt or destroy others.
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Slander:
Slander involves making false or damaging statements about others, often with the intention of tarnishing their reputation or causing harm. This is a form of verbal sin that can deeply hurt relationships and undermine trust.
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Filthy language:
Filthy language refers to inappropriate, corrupt, or obscene speech. This could include vulgarity, crude jokes, or harmful words that degrade others. Such language is not fitting for those who have been transformed by Christ.
Key Takeaways:
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Putting off the old self: Paul is reminding the believers that their transformation in Christ should lead to a rejection of these destructive behaviors. These actions reflect the "old self," which is to be put to death in favor of living out the new identity in Christ (Colossians 3:9-10).
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Holiness in speech and action: The behaviors listed here (anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language) all harm relationships and undermine the message of Christ. Christians are called to live in a way that honors God, and this includes having self-control over emotions and words.
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Transformation by Christ: This call to rid oneself of these sinful behaviors is not just about moral improvement, but about living in alignment with the new life in Christ. Paul emphasizes that believers are to reflect Christ's character—peace, kindness, and love—rather than the sinful behaviors of the world.
In Summary:
Colossians 3:8 underscores the importance of turning away from harmful attitudes and behaviors that characterize the old way of life. As followers of Christ, Christians are urged to put off anger, rage, malice, slander, and corrupt speech, choosing instead to reflect the character of Christ in their actions and words. It’s a call to embody the transformation that comes with being a new creation in Him.
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Additional Information:
Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>
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