“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;” (Colossians 3:8-12)

The Bible tells us about attitudes and actions we should put off and others we should put on. Let’s consider these and purpose in our hearts to obey the commands of God concerning them. First, we will consider attitudes and actions a Christian should put off. In Colossians 3:8 we read, “But now ye also put off all these…”

(1). Anger: In Ephesians 4:31 we read, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice.” Learn to show a cool head and measure words in every situation.
(2). Wrath: In Ephesians 4:26 we read, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Avoid letting anger simmer and grow to wrath which will boil over, and later make you ashamed of your response.
(3). Slander: In Proverbs 10:18 we read, “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander is a fool.” Be very careful what you say about others. If you can’t say something good about a person then say nothing.
(4). Blasphemy: In Colossians 3:8 we read, “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” Never allow ridicule of great eternal things to escape from your lips. The Lord’s name is never to be used in vain, and hell is a place, not a curse word.
(5). Dirty Language: In Colossians 3:8 we read, “But now ye also put off all these…filthy communication out of your mouth.” Remember your eyes are the window of your soul, so keep the words of your mouth acceptable before the Lord.
(6). Lying: In Ephesians 4:25 we read, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” We who are saved should be known for truth in our words and actions.

This does not exhaust the list of “take offs,” but let’s look at attitudes and actions to “put on”. In Colossians 3:12 we read, “Put on therefore…”. Remember we cannot put these on until we take off the others.
(1). Mercy: In Matthew 5:7 we read, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Showing mercy can go far in enhancing your life and testimony before others.
(2). Kindness: In Colossians 3:12 we read, “Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Amid your busy lives be sure to look around and show kindness to others.
(3). Humility: In I Peter 5:5 we read, “Likewise ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Pride always goes before a fall, but humility is great attire for a gracious, caring believer.
(4). Gentleness: In Galatians 5:22 we read, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” We must not be pushy, or gushing with pride, but rather humble servants of God.
(5). Patience: In Luke 8:15c we read, “Bring forth fruit with patience.” Someone has said that patience is the easiest thing to lose. Others may struggle to do right, but be patient and understand their struggle.

We must choose between what the devil wants us to carry or what the Lord wants us to carry. God will not make the choice for us. It is an exercise of our free will. What will we choose?