www.bible.com/111/eph.4.31-32.niv
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.-Ephesians 4:31-32
Why are we to rid of bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander and malice? Because very simply they hinder us from showing the love that God has shown us to others. Paul continues this thought in the first two verse of Ephesians 5. He says in these verses: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV). You are to love, be kind and be compassionate to others not because you will get some reward here on earth, but because in doing so you are showing the love of God to the world. Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13 about love. He said you could be extremely gifted and talented, but if you don’t have love then it means absolutely nothing. And the way that you find love is put aside all the things that are hindering you from feeling love. You’ve got to rid of all the hatred, bitterness, rage, anger and anything else that is hindering you from feeling love towards God. It is only when you realize the love God showed you by sending his only son to die for your sins that you will truly start to feel compassion for those around you.