Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
The speaker says every “don’t” is meant to turn us toward a “do,” like Tutul moving from red flags to the green flag; in Ephesians 4:31–32, what exact “do” replaces bitterness/wrath/clamor, and what practical steps would it take to pursue that “green flag” in a current relationship conflict?
Another way to ask: In Ephesians 4:31–32, what “do” should replace bitterness and anger, and what steps could you take to do that in a relationship conflict you have right now?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
In this passage, the “do” replacing bitterness and angry speech is: “be kind… tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Pursuing that green flag would mean choosing concrete acts and words that express kindness, softness of heart, and real forgiveness.
- The speaker quotes the text: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away… And be kind… tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”
- He teaches a principle: “Whenever you see the don’ts… always look for the do because that’s going to tell you what to put your life into.”
- He connects this “do” to God’s action: we forgive because “God in Christ forgave us,” and that remembrance motivates imitation.
- He emphasizes motivation and direction like Tutul: red flags made him sad, but the green flag showed “where he’s supposed to go” and gave a “purposeful and meaningful life.”
- He clarifies forgiveness isn’t passive: it involves “choosing to listen to God, to lay down our will,” and then acting.