“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”– Colossians 3:8 (KJV)
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.”– Colossians 3:8 (NLT)
“But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, and dirty talk.”– Colossians 3:8 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 3:8 Mean?
In Colossians 3:8, the Apostle Paul presents us with a clear directive about the kind of attitude we should have as followers of Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of putting away specific negative behaviors and attitudes that do not reflect our new life in Christ. The verse introduces a list of detrimental traits, including anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language. Essentially, Paul encourages us to recognize that these negative attributes should have no place in our lives anymore.
When Paul mentions “putting off,” he uses the metaphor of taking off old clothing. Just as we would remove worn-out garments from our wardrobe, we are to discard these negative traits. This imagery signifies a transformation, emphasizing that as believers, we have a responsibility to reflect Christ’s character in our actions and speech. The language Paul employs suggests that these behaviors are not just unfortunate; they are contrary to the new life we have received in Christ through faith.
Colossians 3:8 Explanation and Commentary
The context of Colossians 3 helps us appreciate why Paul addresses these issues. He opens this chapter by reminding the Colossians to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This shift in focus away from earthly concerns shapes how we live and interact with others. By setting our minds on higher things, we are called to live according to the values and principles of God’s Kingdom.
Paul’s exhortation in verse 8 doesn’t mean we will never feel anger or frustration. Instead, he encourages us to avoid letting those emotions control our actions. Anger can arise from various situations, but it can quickly turn destructive if we allow it to fester. In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul reminds us, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” This statement echoes the message in Colossians 3:8; it is not the feeling of anger that’s sinful, but the actions taken because of that anger.
Now, let’s think about the words “malice,” “slander,” and “filthy communication.” Malice represents an intention to harm others, while slander signifies dishonesty regarding another person’s character. The destructive weight of these behaviors disrupts relationships and tears at the fabric of our communities. Paul encourages us instead to pursue peace, kind words, and uplifting speech toward one another. This aligns well with Ephesians 4:29, which states, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” In doing so, we embody the love of Christ.
As we reflect on this verse, we should ask ourselves how our words and actions contribute to the life we claim to follow in Christ. Room should be made in our hearts to forgive and show grace to others instead of reacting with anger and malice. The way we treat our friends, family, and even strangers should reflect hope, compassion, and reassurance. By doing so, we not only strengthen our relationships, but we also showcase the beauty of a life transformed by the gospel.
Context of Colossians 3:8
The book of Colossians was written during Paul’s imprisonment, and it aimed to address false teachings that had begun to spread in the church at Colossae. Paul emphasized the supremacy of Christ and the believer’s complete identity in Him. This was important because these false teachings threatened to distort the essence of the gospel and the influence it should have in the lives of believers.
In earlier passages, Paul mentions our identity in Christ. We are God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved. He reiterates that this new identity should influence how we live our daily lives. Thus, in chapter 3, he provides practical instructions for living out that identity, beginning with the heavenly focus and urging believers to practice righteousness in their interactions.
The context surrounding Colossians 3:8 highlights that living effectively as a Christian means we should be constantly seeking to put off old habits and behaviors. It’s a call to action that resonates with our belief that salvation is not just a moment of acceptance but a lifelong journey of transformation. By continually aligning our lives with Christ’s teachings and commands, we reflect His love and grace through every interaction.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 3:8
Digging into the key parts of this verse, we can see that the language is intentional and purposeful. Each element contributes to the overall message of transformation. There’s a powerful correlation between putting off these negative traits and embracing the nature of Christ. It’s not simply about refraining from bad behavior, but fundamentally choosing to act in a way that reflects love, kindness, and strength in Jesus.
First, let’s consider the individual words: “anger” and “wrath.” These emotions are often intertwined, but they have distinct meanings. Anger can arise in many situations, while wrath represents more intense, sometimes uncontrollable feelings often driving us to act with struggle or hostility against others. By distinguishing between them, we recognize the escalating nature of negative emotions and the importance of controlling them before they spiral out of hands.
Then, we think about “malice,” which has its roots in the desire to cause harm or harm one’s reputation. This goes beyond just feeling a negative emotion; it signifies intent to hurt. By urging us to put away malice, Paul calls us to true kindness and compassion. Next, the term “slander” refers to speaking ill of others, damaging their reputation for personal gain or retribution. This kind of discourse can create divisive atmospheres and counter the unity we are called to as members of the Body of Christ.
Finally, when we address “filthy communication,” we realize it goes beyond mere language and reflects our thoughts and attitudes towards others. What we say mirrors what is within us. If our hearts are filled with negativity, that comes through in our words. Conversely, as we fill our hearts with love, gratitude, and patience, our conversations will naturally reflect those qualities. Jesus teaches in Luke 6:45 that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Therefore, cleansing our hearts allows us to speak life and encouragement into the lives of others.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 3:8
When we read Colossians 3:8, it serves not only as a command but also as a teaching moment. One major lesson we can glean is the importance of assessing our behaviors and attitudes regularly. Are we allowing anger, malice, or bitterness to control our conversations and relationships? Daily self-examination helps us to reflect on our actions and understand the areas we must surrender to Christ.
Another profound lesson involves the power of words. Words hold incredible influence; they can build someone up or tear them down. As Christ-followers, we are called to use our words wisely. We must focus on uplifting others and speaking truth into their lives. This echoes the importance of staying away from filthy language and instead replacing it with wholesome communication based on love and respect.
Forgiveness emerges as a crucial step in aligning with the teachings of this scripture. We will encounter situations where people may anger us or perhaps wrong us. Carrying anger or grudges only weighs us down and reflects negatively on our character. In contrast, demonstrating forgiveness allows us to break those chains of negativity, allowing peace to fill our hearts instead. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” As we forgive, we reflect God’s grace in our lives.
Lastly, let us remember that this is an ongoing process. It’s not just a one-time change, but rather a journey. Every day, there will be opportunities for us to practice putting off these negative behaviors and embracing the character of Christ more fully. It is okay to stumble along the way; what matters is that we continue striving toward being more Christ-like. Let’s support one another during our spiritual growth; together, we can encourage, uplift, and walk alongside each other in faith.
Final Thoughts
Colossians 3:8 provides powerful insights into living a life transformed by Christ. We are reminded to put aside anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy communication as we embrace kindness and compassion toward one another. Instead of tearing others down, we should work diligently to build one another up, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ in every interaction.
As we continue to explore biblical teachings, we can discover ways to grow in our relationships and spiritual lives. There are many other exciting topics to explore. If you’re interested in learning more, consider reading about the courageous acts in 1 Samuel 20:3, the power of kindness in 1 Samuel 2:2, or the impact of words in 1 Corinthians 14:17.
As we apply the lessons in Colossians 3:8 to our daily lives, let’s strive to create a positive atmosphere where love, understanding, and forgiveness abound. May we become vessels of hope and encouragement, truly showing the world the character of Christ through our actions and words.