Carlton G. McPeak
Guest Columnist
Paul continues to write about certain actions, emotions and speech that a person will “put aside” once they become a Christian. A result of being “raised up with Christ” is that the Christian will discontinue six things; three are based upon emotions, and three are based upon one’s harmful speech towards others (Colossians 3:8, 9).
Anger, wrath and malice are three responses to our hurt feelings. Anger is a strong feeling when we are annoyed, displeased with something, or feel hostile toward something or someone. This internal response is known to others when we respond in an inappropriate manner. This automatic response to an unpleasant situation is very difficult to control.
Wrath might be defined as anger taken to an extreme, maybe uncontrollable anger. It is an action that is visible to everyone who sees us, especially those to whom it is directed, because of our facial expressions or our aggressive body actions.
We exhibit malice when our response is with the purpose of hurting someone. Usually, it is not a “spur-of-the-moment” thing, but comes after some thought and planning.
All three of these actions hurt our relationship with people. The next three actions involving our speech also hurt our relationship with people.
When a person says things about another person that are false, with the intent of hurting or damaging that person’s reputation, we call it slander. It is injurious speech designed to call into question a person’s good name.
One of the reasons why Christians do not utter “foul language” is because of Paul’s use of the words “abusive speech.” This phrase would include not only the “four-letter words,” but also obscene language. The “off-color” jokes. Often, this “abusive speech” will include language with sexual overtones.
The final topic concerning our speech that Paul mentions is lying “to one another.” The idea behind lying is when one intentionally says something with the intent of deceiving another person. It is presented as being “the truth” when in reality it is “false.” It is done in order to obtain some personal benefit or to cause harm to another person.
Paul concludes by saying all of these things are “evil practices.” They are part of the “old self” that was “laid aside” when a person became a Christian. These evil reactions and improper speech are designed to tear someone down and not build them up.
These relationship-destroying actions may take years to conquer, but a Christian must be working on them every day. Sometimes when we execute these evil reactions, our relationships are destroyed forever. By not practicing these things, the Christian will develop good relationships with their fellow man, as well as be living God’s way.
Carlton G. McPeak (carlton_mc@msn.com)
is an evangelist working in the Florida Gateway region.
Scriptural quotations from the NASB.