And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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 4:30-32

As we consider the theme “forsaking all,” many times the things that need to be forsaken in our life are the internal attitudes and mindsets that influence the way we conduct ourselves.  The Apostle Paul is admonishing us to “get rid of” or “put away” those things that undermine our relationship with God.  Those things that oppose the new creation we
have become in Christ.

To “get rid or to put away” something is the result of an action we have taken. When we “get rid” of something, we are placing it outside of our house; no longer welcome.  We are deeming it as something no longer useful or productive.  It is like taking off a garment and throwing it away.  In this passage Paul is saying to get rid of:

Bitterness: bitterness is defined as those things that are: distasteful or
distressing to the mind; things that bring a sense of shame; things that cause us to exhibit intense animosity towards others or something; things that produce bitter complaints; conversation marked by cynicism and rancor;

Rage: Rage is violent anger accompanied with furious words, gestures or agitation;

Anger: A violent passion of the mind excited by a real or supposed injury; usually accompanied with a propensity to take vengeance, or to obtain satisfaction from the offending party.

Brawling: the act of quarreling

Slander: To defame; to injure by maliciously uttering a false report; to tarnish or impair the reputation of one by false tales.

Malice; desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another; implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer; to be catty, to hatefull and spiteful.

All of these words represent actions that are a result of negative internalization.  They are the result of issues and attitudes that we have yet to surrender to the finished work of the Cross.  They can represent real or perceived injuries that we need to be release in forgiveness.  They represent those areas that need the healing grace of God.   These attitudes and actions are the product of a mind that has not been fully renewed by the Word of God.

Today, as you forge ahead, make a decision to “forsake all” the attitudes
and mindsets that are robbing you of God’s best and trust Him, by releasing others in forgiveness as you have freely been forgiven.
Put off those things that grieve the Holy Spirit and minimize the power of the Cross in your life and “put on” Christ.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:14