Colossians 3:8 – “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his teaching about the transformation that happens when someone becomes a follower of Christ. Earlier, in Colossians 3:5-7, he talked about the sinful behaviors that belonged to their old life before knowing Jesus. Now, in verse 8, he shifts to what they must get rid of as they grow in their faith.

The phrase “rid yourselves” means to completely remove or take off, like dirty clothes. This shows that these sins should not be part of a believer’s life anymore. Paul then lists specific sins related to attitude, speech, and relationships:

• Anger – A deep, ongoing resentment or bitterness toward others.
• Rage – Explosive outbursts of uncontrolled anger.
• Malice – A desire to harm or see others suffer.
• Slander – Speaking falsely or hurtfully about someone to damage their reputation.
• Filthy language – Obscene, offensive, or disrespectful speech.

These sins destroy relationships, hurt people, and go against the character of God. Paul is telling believers that they can’t live in these behaviors anymore-they must be removed.

Historical Context

In the first-century Roman world, many people lived in anger, revenge, and harsh speech as part of daily life. Honor and reputation were highly valued, and if someone was insulted, it was normal to fight back with words or actions. Public debates, slander, and verbal abuse were common.

The Colossian believers had come out of this culture, and Paul wanted them to unlearn their old ways. They were now part of God’s kingdom, and their words and attitudes needed to reflect Christ, not the sinful world around them.

This was especially important because the early church was built on love, forgiveness, and unity. If Christians kept acting like the world-holding onto anger, seeking revenge, and speaking harshly-it would destroy the community of faith.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important biblical truths:

1. Salvation brings transformation – Coming to Christ is not just about what we believe but also about how we live (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. Sin is not just about actions, but also attitudes – Christianity is not just about avoiding “big sins” like murder or adultery. Even things like anger, slander, and filthy speech are sins that must be removed.
3. Words have power – What comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our hearts (Matthew 12:34).
4. Christian maturity involves self-control – Growing in faith means learning to control emotions and speech so they reflect Jesus (James 1:19-20).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s command “rid yourselves” is strong and intentional. He is not saying to slowly work on these things or ignore them-he is saying to get rid of them completely. This is similar to how Jesus described removing sin: cutting off anything that causes us to stumble (Matthew 5:29-30).

Paul also lists these sins in a specific order:

1. Anger (an inner emotion)
2. Rage (anger that explodes outwardly)
3. Malice (anger that desires harm)
4. Slander (anger that speaks harm)
5. Filthy language (speech that dishonors God and others)

This progression shows how unchecked anger leads to sinful words and actions. Paul is calling believers to stop sin at its root before it grows into something destructive.

Biblical Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:31 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
• James 1:19-20 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
• Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
• Matthew 12:36-37 – Jesus warns that people will give an account for every careless word they speak.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today struggle with anger, gossip, and harmful speech. In a world filled with social media arguments, public shaming, and harsh criticism, Paul’s message is just as important now as it was then.

For today’s Christian, this verse teaches that our words and attitudes should reflect Christ:

• We should control our temper instead of letting anger take over.
• We should avoid gossip and slander and instead speak truth in love.
• We should use our words to encourage, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
• We should remove filthy and offensive speech and speak with purity and respect.

The way we talk to others-especially when we are upset-shows whether we are living like Christ or like the world.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, this verse might feel like a list of “rules,” but it actually reflects God’s love for us.

1. God cares about our hearts and relationships – He doesn’t want anger and harsh words to damage us or others.
2. God wants to protect us from the harm sin causes – Anger, gossip, and slander can ruin friendships, families, and even churches.
3. God is patient with us – Even when we struggle with anger or bad speech, He offers grace and the power to change.

This verse isn’t about shame; it’s about freedom. God calls us to let go of anger and harsh words because He knows they destroy our peace and our relationships.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of self-control, kindness, and godly speech:

• Jesus did not respond in anger when He was insulted – 1 Peter 2:23 says, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.”
• Jesus taught the importance of pure speech – In Matthew 5:22, He warns that angry and insulting words make someone guilty before God.
• Jesus forgave instead of holding onto anger – On the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Through Jesus, believers are given the strength to overcome anger, control their speech, and live in love.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you struggle with anger, harsh words, or gossip? How does this verse challenge you?
2. When was the last time you let anger get the best of you? How could you have responded differently?
3. What practical steps can you take to “rid yourself” of bad speech and attitudes?
4. How can you use your words to encourage and build others up instead of tearing them down?
5. How does Jesus‘ example of patience and grace inspire you to change how you respond to others?

This verse reminds us that being a Christian isn’t just about avoiding “big sins”-it’s also about how we treat others in everyday life. The way we handle anger, control our words, and respond to others should reflect Jesus. May we live in a way that honors Him by speaking with kindness, truth, and love.