Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you.
Consider the example of Jesus. Imagine the immense stress that he was feeling at the last evening meal he had with his apostles. Jesus knew that within hours he would die a slow and painful death. The sanctification of his Father’s name and the salvation of the human family depended on his faithfulness.
Yet, at that very meal, there “arose a heated dispute among [the apostles] over which one of them seemed to be greatest.”
Did Jesus scream at them or express bitterness toward them?
No...Instead, he calmly reasoned with them. Jesus reminded them that they had stuck with him during trying times. Although Satan was demanding to sift them as wheat, Jesus expressed confidence that they would prove faithful. He even concluded a covenant with them.
