I wasn’t really in a rage, like I wasn’t out of control and couldn’t think. I just got ticked off and said a lot of bad things about the person, without really paying attention to the little feeling I had that it was wrong.
Eph 4:29-30
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 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.
The word *unwholesome *in v 29 of Eph in the Greek is literally translated rotten, worthless, bad, corrupt. This kind of treatment toward others is a serious offense against God. It harms us by stirring up more uncharitable feelings within us, and can also stir up anger, resentment, and dissension among God’s people. Dissension among brothers is listed in Proverbs 6:19 as something God hates. I would definitely not assume that your conscience is bothering you because you are scrupulous. Gossip and rumor–whether true or not–are not small matters to be winked at at trivial; and we will all give account before God for every careless word we have spoken as promised in Matt 12:36-37.
That being established, most of us, myself included, have said cruel or hurtful things about others in a heated moment or a time of frustration. I didn’t quote the above passages to make you feel terrible–but only to make clear that sinning with our mouths is something God takes very seriously. If you are frustrated with someone, try to discuss it with the Lord Himself. If you have just cause for your anger, remember the Lord is perfect in justice and He is the answer to what bothers you. If you must talk to someone, confide in someone who is poised to listen with confidentiality, objectivity, one sensitive to your feelings, but also capable of giving you good counsel as to how to deal with your frustration in a more productive way. As I said, I don’t think any of us can claim complete innocence in this area. And the scripture itself encourages us that if we hear something about ourselves that someone else may have said–that we shouldn’t take it too much to heart–because we know ourselves-- that we, too, have committed such offenses against others: Eccl 7:21-22: Also do not take to heart everything people say,Lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known That even you have cursed others.
I hope this helps. God bless
