Ephesians 4:32?

Can you recall the verse Ephesians 4:32? Perhaps you memorized it as a child in Sunday School. "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." What a command the apostle Paul has given us in that verse! However, we should include reading 4:31 first and heed this command, also. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." Now, read these verses together and notice that God was careful to have Paul record them all. The answer or way to keep from these sins is to let Christ change your life and fill you with His love and kindness. How much should we forgive? - as much as God in Christ has forgiven us.
What a difference this would make in our lives - forgiving as Christ forgave! I'm not talking about the anger of the unsaved, but Christians who have accepted Christ's forgiveness and have Him in their lives, yet hold on to grudges, anger, unforgiveness and bitterness.
But you may say, "You don't know what I've had done to me." or, "I hurt so much I just can't forgive". You're right, no one does know your hurts, but Christ does! And He says you must forgive; you must love. 1 John 4:7-21 is a great chapter of instruction for all of us. Also, if you want to do a good Bible study on anger, bitterness and jealousy, read the recorded examples of Cain and Able or Jacob and Esau. My favorite is Joseph and his brothers! And don't forget Paul's life in the New Testament, and the greatest forgiveness - of Christ at His crucifixion. As you do these studies, you will find much guidance God has given in His Word. He knew you and I would need help with these sins in our lives. Listen to Him!
Anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, malice, and the rest will rob you of the joy and peace He wants you to have in your life. John 15:11-12, "That your joy may be full."

Dottie