Anger brings with it bitterness, resentment, and inner turmoil. When anger is allowed to grow unchecked, it poisons the heart and clouds the mind, making it difficult to walk in peace and obedience before God. This destructive emotion must be removed from our lives, because the Lord God of heaven dwells in us, and His presence is incompatible with a heart dominated by uncontrolled anger.
Anger, when not addressed, rarely remains isolated. It opens the door to bitterness, grudges, harsh words, and even violence. Many people justify their anger, believing it to be a natural or necessary reaction. However, Scripture teaches that while anger may arise, it must not control us. God desires that His people live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not under the domination of destructive emotions.
Removing anger from our lives helps us greatly, because when we remove these sources of affliction, our hearts become free and calm. Peace replaces turmoil, clarity replaces confusion, and love replaces hostility. A heart free from anger is more sensitive to God’s voice and more capable of reflecting His character.
Living with constant anger creates emotional and spiritual exhaustion. It damages relationships, disrupts fellowship, and weakens testimony. By contrast, a heart that has learned to release anger experiences rest and spiritual growth. This is why Scripture repeatedly calls believers to pursue peace and self-control.
In this chapter, the apostle Paul addresses this issue directly. Writing to believers who were learning to live out their new identity in Christ, Paul warns them about the dangers of allowing anger and malice to remain in their lives. He gives a clear command concerning this destructive behavior.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Ephesians 4:31
This verse leaves no room for compromise. Paul does not suggest that believers manage anger slightly better; he commands that it be put away entirely. Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice are all interconnected. When one is present, the others often follow. Together, they form a pattern of behavior that contradicts the new life believers have received in Christ.
Paul’s instruction is rooted in the reality of spiritual transformation. When someone comes to the feet of the Master, they bring with them a wide range of emotions, habits, and wounds. These must be addressed and brought under the authority of Christ. Controlling emotions is not a sign of weakness, but a mark of spiritual maturity.
A believer who learns to submit emotions to God demonstrates trust in His sovereignty. Instead of reacting impulsively, such a person seeks God’s wisdom and responds with grace. Emotional control allows believers to reflect Christ even in difficult situations.
That is why the apostle Paul insists that when a person repents and turns to Christ, they must remove all anger, along with slander and malice. Repentance is not merely a change of belief, but a transformation of behavior. Leaving anger behind is part of putting off the old self and putting on the new self, created in righteousness and holiness.
Uncontrolled anger gives the enemy an opportunity to disrupt the believer’s walk. It creates division, fuels conflict, and hinders effective service to God. By removing anger, believers protect their hearts and maintain unity within the body of Christ.
The man or woman of God must have control over their emotions. Life is filled with unexpected events, misunderstandings, and challenges. Without emotional discipline, these situations can easily provoke sinful reactions. However, when emotions are governed by the Spirit, the believer is able to respond wisely and peacefully.
This control does not come from human effort alone. It is the result of daily surrender to God, prayer, and the renewing of the mind through Scripture. As the believer grows in grace, anger loses its grip, and patience, kindness, and gentleness take its place.
So, brothers and sisters, let us remove all these things that the apostle Paul recommends we put away. This is the path of the renewed man and woman in Christ. A renewed heart does not cling to bitterness or wrath, but seeks reconciliation and peace.
The renewed person is one who glorifies God not only with words, but with attitudes and actions. Serving God without anger allows the believer to reflect Christ clearly to the world. It demonstrates that God’s transforming power is real and effective.
Let us remember that Christ Himself is our example. He faced rejection, injustice, and suffering, yet He responded with humility and obedience to the Father. His life shows us that anger does not need to rule our hearts, even in the most difficult circumstances.
If anger has taken root in your heart, do not ignore it. Bring it before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to heal wounds, replace bitterness with forgiveness, and fill your heart with His peace. God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in those who seek Him.
In conclusion, anger is a destructive force that must be removed from the life of the believer. Scripture calls us to put it away completely and to embrace a life marked by peace, self-control, and love. By submitting our emotions to God and allowing His Spirit to guide us, we become renewed people who glorify God in every aspect of life.