“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
Imagine this: you’ve poured your heart into a project, sacrificing sleep and energy. Everyone knows how much this opportunity means to you. But on the selection day, a colleague is chosen instead. The sting of disappointment turns into anger, and now, their very being irritates you. Yet, while you’re trapped in bitterness, that colleague remains unaffected.
This is the reality of anger and bitterness—they imprison the one holding onto them. Worse still, they lead to further harm. The Bible warns that bitterness defiles, spreading its poison to others (Hebrews 12:15). Moses’ angry outburst caused him to disobey God and miss entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-12). Anger clouds judgment. It can make you act against God’s will and rob you of His blessings.
As believers, we are called to a higher standard. Christ is our example, and He embodies love and forgiveness. The Bible repeatedly commands us to put away anger and bitterness, warning us of the consequences of holding onto them (Psalm 37:8, Colossians 3:8). Letting go of these emotions is not optional; it is central to your walk with God.
To release anger and bitterness, you must walk in the Spirit. When you walk in the Spirit, you are no longer controlled by the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit empowers you to rise above anger and respond in ways that reflect God’s love and patience. Sin no longer has dominion over you because you are under the law of the Spirit, which gives life and peace.
Forgiveness is another crucial step. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a deliberate choice. We forgive because God forgave us first (Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13). Jesus taught extensively on forgiveness. As a follower of Christ, you are called to mirror His example by forgiving others, even when it feels undeserved.
Finally, prayer is transformative when dealing with anger. Jesus instructed us to love and pray for those who hurt us (Matthew 5:44). In prayer, your heart is transformed, and you are changed to become more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Bitterness cannot thrive where God’s presence dwells.
Dear believer, what anger or bitterness are you holding onto today? Ask God to help you release it and embrace His peace and joy.
Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 41, Matthew 12:43-13:17