Ephesians 4:31 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul instructs believers to remove sinful attitudes and behaviors from their lives. He gives a list of destructive emotions and actions that should have no place in the life of a Christian.

• “Get rid of” – This phrase is a strong command, not a suggestion. Paul is telling believers to completely remove these sinful attitudes.
• “All bitterness” – Bitterness is deep resentment that grows over time. It happens when people hold on to past hurts and grudges instead of forgiving.
• “Rage and anger” – Rage is explosive, out-of-control fury, while anger can refer to a deep-seated, ongoing hostility. Both lead to destructive words and actions.
• “Brawling and slander” – Brawling refers to quarreling and loud arguments, while slander is using words to attack and tear others down.
• “Along with every form of malice” – Malice is an evil desire to harm or get revenge. It is a deep-rooted hatred that destroys relationships.

Paul is teaching that these attitudes have no place in a Christian’s life. Holding onto anger, resentment, and hatred grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and damages unity in the church. Instead, believers are called to love, peace, and forgiveness.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison (around A.D. 60-62). The city of Ephesus was a diverse place, filled with people from different backgrounds, religions, and social classes. Conflicts were common, and bitterness, anger, and revenge were normal ways of handling disputes.

In the early church, many believers came from pagan backgrounds where revenge and hostility were accepted as part of life. But Paul teaches that Christianity requires a radical change—believers must let go of these destructive attitudes and live differently.

Paul’s words were especially important for the unity of the Church. If believers continued to hold onto bitterness and anger, it would divide the body of Christ.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important spiritual lessons:

1. Sin is not just about actions—it includes attitudes – God doesn’t just care about outward behavior; He wants believers to have pure hearts free from bitterness and anger.
2. Anger and resentment are dangerous – If they are not dealt with, they can grow into deeper sin (James 1:20).
3. Christianity requires transformation – Following Christ is not just about believing in Him; it means changing how we think, speak, and act.
4. Forgiveness and love must replace bitterness – Instead of holding onto past hurts, believers are called to forgive and live at peace with others (Romans 12:18).

Paul is not just telling people to stop being angry—he is calling them to replace anger with love, peace, and kindness (Ephesians 4:32).

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a list of sinful attitudes to show the progression of anger:

• Bitterness – Unforgiven hurt that poisons the heart.
• Rage and anger – Emotional outbursts or deep hostility.
• Brawling and slander – Anger that turns into destructive words and fights.
• Malice – A settled desire to harm others.

This list shows that anger grows if it is not stopped. What starts as bitterness can turn into rage, fighting, and finally a deep desire for revenge.

Paul’s command is strong—he does not say, “Try to control these emotions,” but “Get rid of them completely!” He is urging believers to eliminate sin at the root before it grows into something worse.

Biblical Cross-References

• 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.”
• 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.”
• Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
• Matthew 5:22 – “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
• Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a clear challenge to Christians today. In a world where anger, bitterness, and revenge are often celebrated, believers are called to live differently.

• If you struggle with bitterness – Ask yourself: Am I holding onto past hurts that I need to forgive?
• If you find yourself getting angry easily – Remember that anger leads to sin if it is not controlled.
• If you often speak harshly or argue with others – Paul reminds you to replace destructive words with words of kindness and grace.
• If you are tempted to seek revenge – Trust that God is the one who will bring justice in His time (Romans 12:19).

A Christian’s life should be marked by peace and forgiveness, not by anger and division.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He calls His people away from anger and into peace.

• God is slow to anger – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8).
• God forgives instead of holding onto bitterness – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).
• God calls believers to reflect His love – Since God is gracious and patient, He expects His people to extend the same grace to others.

When Christians let go of bitterness and anger, they reflect the love and patience of God.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of patience and forgiveness:

• He did not hold onto bitterness – Even when He was betrayed, insulted, and crucified, Jesus did not respond with anger or revenge (Luke 23:34).
• He calls His followers to love their enemies – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
• He offers a new way of living – Through His death and resurrection, Jesus gives believers the power to live differently—to forgive and love instead of being bitter and angry.

By following Jesus’ example, believers can let go of resentment and choose a life of peace, patience, and forgiveness.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any areas of your life where bitterness or anger is taking root?
2. How can you actively remove anger, resentment, or malice from your heart?
3. What are some practical ways you can replace anger with love and patience?
4. How does understanding God’s patience and forgiveness help you forgive others?
5. What is one step you can take today to live out the truth of Ephesians 4:31?