Outward Sins. Colossians 3:8. This verse highlights that believers should intentionally, like changing clothes, “put off” those things that belong to our old rebellious nature before God saved us. The old sinful character and conduct, including attitudes, are not suitable or consistent with our new life in Christ. Some things must be “put to death,” which are part of our past self before we were born again. Within this list of five things, these are considered garments of the soul. There is a distinction in how these two lists of five things are presented. In this list, emotions are the starting point and lead to actions like garments of evil.
Some people think social sins are normal and can be excused as if they are not serious problems. However, this is not accurate. We should never use words to harm others. Even if we disagree with someone or find something about them offensive, we who have confessed Christ as Lord and Savior must remember that faith forms the basis of our confession. It is possible to be angry without sinning, but habitual anger is not part of God's new creation when we respond to facts.
Anger is an outburst of passion that leads to rage and a desire for vengeance. It may be a quick reaction to a statement or action, and we can control that initial response to determine the facts when wrath (rage) and anger cool off. Malice then settles in with roots planning to commit evil and vengeful actions. Blasphemy puts one’s opinion into words ahead of God’s words, wisdom, and character. Beyond this, slander that states an intent against a man or God is considered “filthy communication,” reflecting moral decay. Unclean, untrue, unkind, and wrongful words are worthless, hurtful, and the opposite of words seasoned with salt.
Malice is ill-will toward another person. We often hope that something bad will happen to someone we dislike, and secretly, we feel glad when it does. We believe they deserve what they're getting, but that attitude is not of God. Instead, push away that thought and take time to consider how to lighten their burden.
To blaspheme is to speak slanderously; some may even use the Lord's name in vain. When directed at others, it can cause them deep pain and lead to feelings of guilt when they reflect on it later. A redeemed person should build others up in their faith. Bad speech, coarse humor, and obscene talk should never come out of the mouth of a child of God. We need to practice controlling the entrance to our lips daily. The tongue is often used against others; sometimes, people stumble over the stumbling block of our words placed in their path. When our lips are sealed and our minds are under control, that covers a multitude of sins.
It takes a conscious choice to remove those things that don't belong to a believer in Christ so that our testimony remains strong. Just like taking off an old coat and throwing it away, we should do the same with outward sins so that others will trust what we say.