"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ... But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of the Creator."
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Wow. This is a tall order. It isn't easy to get rid of anger, rage and malice. It isn't easy to resist the temptation to utter a curse word (especially when I miss my umpteenth 3-point shot!). It isn't easy to forgive someone who has offended you, or a member of your family. But, as Christians, that is exactly what God calls us to do. His love knew no limits, and even as he hung dying on the cross, he begged his Father to forgive those who had crucified Him and were mocking Him. Wow! That's amazing love.
We are not perfect, and nor will we ever be this side of heaven. However, as Christians, we are called to strive to become more like Christ every day. Christ experienced all of the trials and tribulations we do, and yet somehow managed to keep his anger, rage, malice, etc. in check. He managed to love and forgive when every human instinct called out for retaliation and revenge. We are charged with no less. Our goal is to "Be Like Christ" ... or at least strive to.
GJS
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