[… rid yourselves of] … rage …
Summary: Seeing ourselves from God’s point of view is a challenge. Especially when trying to understand what it means to be under God’s wrath.
The word Paul used in this sentence is not always translated as “rage.” In fact, about two-thirds of available English translations of the Bible use the word “wrath” instead. Is there a difference?
From a human point of view, there may not be much difference. From God’s point of view, there is a difference.
When we look at Paul’s earlier words, we read, “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:6). “Wrath,” in this case, is different than the “wrath” that comes from human rage.
Here’s how I look at it …
My wife doesn’t like bugs. She really doesn’t like spiders, but any bug will get a reaction. One of my primary jobs as her husband is keeping her world bug-free.
When she yells, “BUG!!!” I’m on the job! I grab a tissue, squish the bug, and toss the tissue and bug in the trash.
I have to confess — there is not a lot of emotion involved. To me, bugs are bugs. They are something to keep out of the house and get rid of if any of them make their way in. You might say my “judgment” is that bugs don’t belong inside the home.
Now, if all bugs would follow my rule about bugs not being in the house, the bugs (and my wife!) would be a lot happier. However, for those who dare to venture into my domain, a horrible fate awaits them. You might say they feel my “wrath.”
When it comes to the bug’s point of view, if they could think about it, they would fear the wrath of the Bug Killer. Of course, they can’t, so they don’t. Instead, they blithely wander in now and then. When they are eventually dispatched, it is not because of anger, rage, or any feeling on my part. My “wrath” is just a matter of getting rid of what doesn’t belong in the house. In the same way, I think God’s wrath is like that.
Human anger is different. Human rage is uncontrollable. Human wrath is evil because it is devoid of love for God and love for our neighbors. Follow Paul’s advice and rid yourself of rage.
Application: Keep calm and carry on.
Food for Thought: What are some tips for ridding ourselves of rage?
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