Most of us have known one or two angry, foul-mouthed, sour people over the years, perhaps at our job or in the neighborhood. Because of their temper and disagreeableness we generally avoid them. What a poor testimony and disappointment it is if we find out they claim to be a Christian. In our Scripture passage today Paul reflects on some actions and behavior we sometimes have, and how it not only reflects poorly to others, but can grieve the Holy Spirit, as well.
Our passage begins with Paul’s admonition against lying (vs 25). Not only is lying breaking the ninth Commandment, lying creates conflicts and destroys trust. It also tears down relationships. God is a God of truth, and His followers are to be truthful at all times. The devil is the father of lies (John 8:44), and we do not want to be aligned with him. We are not fit instruments for God’s use if we are not truthful.
Anger is another issue brought up in this passage. In verse 26 Paul implies that there are times when anger is not wrong. He says we can be angry, but not to let the anger lead to sin. There is such a thing as righteous anger. Jesus displayed righteous anger when He drove the moneychangers out of the Temple (John 2:13-16). Moses had righteous anger when he came down from Mt. Sinai and saw that the people had made and were worshipping the golden calf (Exodus 32:19-29). This is anger against sin, that hates injustice, immorality, ungodliness, and other evildoing. If this anger is based on love of God and others, Scripture shows it is permissible. We must be careful that righteous anger does not turn to bitterness or make us hostile. We must set it aside at the end of the day. We work against the Holy Spirit, and give the devil the advantage when we let our anger get away from us. (vs 27).
Another issue that Paul speaks about here is the words we speak to each other (vs 29). Paul warns us against using corrupt language. Corruption brings to mind what is foul or rotten, such as spoiled fruit or putrid meat. Foul language should not be spoken by a Christian. It is out of character with our new life in Christ. A Christian’s speech should be encouraging and uplifting to others. A believer should live and speak with grace.
Not only does our poor behavior and speech give a bad testimony to others, it grieves the Holy Spirit (vs 30-31). God is grieved when His children live in the old ways of sin rather than the life of righteousness in Christ. We can grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, brawling, slander, and bad attitudes are all behaviors we should put away from us when we’ve taken Jesus as our Savior, and the Holy Spirit indwells our heart.
Paul tells us of several actions to be cast off, but there is one thing we should be doing consistently, and that is to forgive others (vs 32). Those who have been forgiven so much by God should forgive the offenses by others. Jesus even forgave those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). If our Lord could do that, then we should be able to pass on forgiveness to others.
Little children like to imitate their parents and other adult role models. When we accepted Jesus as our Savior we became a child of God. Now is the time to start imitating our Heavenly Father (vs 1). Sanctification is growing in the likeness of the Lord Jesus. Our greatest calling and purpose is to be imitators of Him. We need to imitate Jesus in love and forgiveness. Our words and behavior as Christians should be more and more like Jesus, and less like that angry and sour character we all know in our neighborhood.
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