CWW Week 41 - Anger - Day 7
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Devotional: Put It Off – Let Go of Anger
Verse:
Colossians 3:8 (NIV) –
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Devotional Thought
There comes a time in every believer’s journey when God says, “It’s time to let that go.” Colossians 3:8 is one of those moments. Paul, writing to the early church, doesn’t mince his words: “You must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language.”
These aren’t just bad habits—they’re signs of a deeper struggle in our hearts. Paul is writing to people who have already committed their lives to Jesus. And yet, he’s saying, “Now that you belong to Christ, it’s time to clean house.”
Anger is the first thing on the list.
Why? Because unresolved anger is like a weed. It might start small, but if it’s not pulled out, it spreads. It turns into rage, malice, harsh words, and broken relationships. It shows up in our tone, our sarcasm, our gossip, and even our silence when we withhold kindness from others.
And yet, anger is so common—so easily justified. “They hurt me.” “It wasn’t fair.” “I was just being honest.” But Paul is calling us higher. As followers of Jesus, we don’t get to carry anger around like a trophy. We’re called to put it off—like an old, smelly coat that doesn’t fit who we are anymore.
Earlier in Colossians 3, Paul reminds us that we’ve been raised with Christ. We’re made new. And with that new identity comes a new wardrobe—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Col. 3:12). But first, we need to throw off the old.
Letting go of anger doesn’t mean pretending it’s not there. It means recognising it, confessing it, and releasing it to God. It might mean forgiving someone who hasn’t apologised. It might mean being honest with yourself about the pain you’ve buried. It might even mean asking others to forgive you.
This verse isn’t about behaviour management—it’s about heart transformation. God is more interested in healing the root than just fixing the fruit. He wants to go deep into those places where anger has been hiding—maybe for years—and gently say, “Let Me have that.”
Anger is a heavy burden to carry. It wears us out. It distances us from others. And it blocks the joy and peace God wants us to walk in. That’s why He lovingly says, “Get rid of it.” Not because He’s harsh, but because He’s good.
This isn’t something we can do in our own strength. We need the Holy Spirit to help us recognise the warning signs, pause before reacting, and choose grace over grudges. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more we’ll start to reflect His heart—patient, gentle, and full of mercy.
So today, ask yourself: What am I still holding onto that God is asking me to lay down? What anger do I need to release so I can step fully into the new life He’s given me?
It’s time to let it go.
Reflection Questions
- Is there any anger you’ve been holding onto—towards someone else, yourself, or even God?
Be honest with what’s buried in your heart. What needs to be brought into the light? - How has this anger impacted your relationships, words, or thought life?
Consider how it’s shaped the way you speak, react, or interact with others. - What step can you take today to begin releasing that anger and walking in the freedom Jesus offers?
This might involve prayer, forgiveness, or having a conversation you’ve been avoiding.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Papa God,
Thank You that You are slow to anger and abounding in love. I come to You today carrying things I was never meant to hold—frustration, bitterness, and anger. Some of it feels justified, but I know it’s only weighing me down.
Please forgive me for the times I’ve let anger speak louder than love. For the moments I’ve reacted instead of responding, for the harsh words I’ve said, and for the hurt I’ve caused—both to others and to myself.
I don’t want to live with this anymore. Help me to let it go. Holy Spirit, fill those places with peace, patience, and kindness. Teach me how to live from a heart that’s soft, not hardened by offence or resentment.
I want to walk in the new life You’ve given me, Jesus. Free, forgiven, and full of Your love.
In Your name I pray,
Amen.
