🕊️ PRAY HERE DEVOTION 🕊️ Being Mean Is Not God-Natured

Scripture: Colossians 3:8 (NLT)

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.”

Devotion: Have you ever met someone who is just… mean? Not firm. Not bold. Not truthful. Just mean. Harsh tone. Sharp responses. Quick to snap. Always ready with something cutting to say. Some people have become mean by nature; but the truth is, it is a learned behavior, a choice, and often an indication of a hurt or damaged heart.

When you go through things, it will affect you. Whatever you are around will help shape you. Did you grow up witnessing harsh language and raised voices daily and it was considered love? Maybe in your home people said, “That’s just how we talk,” but the words left wounds. For example, a husband or wife constantly correcting their spouse in a sarcastic tone in front of others. He/ She calls it joking. The spouse calls it humiliating. Or a parent who yells at their child for every small mistake, calling them “slow” or “hard-headed.” Those words do not correct ; they crush.

The Bible speaks directly against this. Today’s scripture tells us it is time to GET RID of certain behaviors. Let’s break it down.

Anger — A simmering irritation that lives under the surface. Example: Always feeling annoyed and easily triggered by small inconveniences.

Rage — Explosive anger. Losing control. Yelling, throwing things, “crashing out.” Example: Slamming doors because someone disagreed with you.

Malicious behavior — Intentional harm. Doing or saying things to hurt someone on purpose. Example: Bringing up someone’s past to embarrass them during an argument.

Slander — Speaking lies or twisting truth about someone to damage their reputation. Example: Spreading rumors because you are upset with them.

Dirty language — Filthy, degrading, or vulgar speech. Example: Cursing someone out when you are upset instead of communicating calmly.

The Word says, “But now is the time to get rid of it.” Not later. Not when you feel like it. Now.

Being harsh, constantly angry, or verbally abusive is not strength ; it is immaturity. It is not boldness ; it is brokenness. It is not God-natured. God is firm, but He is also loving. He corrects, but He does not belittle. He convicts, but He does not verbally abuse.

Evaluate yourself today. Are you carrying anger? Are you excusing rage as “just my personality”? Are you damaging people with your mouth? You cannot claim the Spirit of God and consistently operate opposite of His fruit.

It is time to let it go.

Prayer: Father, examine my heart. Remove anger, rage, and any malicious intent from me. Clean up my speech and teach me to speak life, not harm. Heal any hurt in me that causes me to hurt others. Make my nature reflect Yours : loving, patient, and self-controlled.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.