Wrath is the fever of overflowing anger. It's the sword in the hand, and fury enacted. It is sinful because it springs from want of love, and often from misunderstanding. Its root is pride (Proverbs 21:24 ). An old saint used to pray, "Lord, teach me to be angry only with what would anger You." The love of Jesus even "endured such hostility from sinners against Himself" (Hebrews 12:3 ). We are to consider Him and not become weary and discouraged in our souls. Put away wrath and let Jesus' love flow towards others. Then you will be usable.

This is noisy strife that culminates in evil speaking, tearing the reputation of others, the very opposite of the gentle answer of love, and the understanding of another's point of view. Brawling, hostile and accusing need the changing work of the Holy Spirit and a baptism of Jesus' love, before they can be used in the Lord's service.

Malice is the secret root of all the fleshly sins that Paul says must be taken away. Malice is mental murder. John rightly describes it as "whoever hates his brother is a murderer" (1 John 3:15 ). Malice is "fires fed within", that give flame to uncontrollable anger, bitterness and strife. How can these hindrances be taken away, and people be changed into a usefulness that will bless the body of Christ? The answer is found in obeying Ephesians 4:32, in the Spirit of God.

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. just as God in Christ forgave you."

As we practice kindness, tenderness and forgiveness, the practical love of Jesus becomes more and more evident, making us increasingly usable. We become part of "a new generation" of willing workers who do not have to be pressurized into service. No! We become full of good works because we are full of the love of Jesus, willing to give ourselves sacrificially to others - very usable.

2.6. SUMMARY OF THE MARKS TO LOOK FOR IN A USABLE PERSON WHO IS LIVING THIS SPECIFIED LOVE

• Patient dealing with irritant members of the body
• Tender with weak members of the body
• Untiring in serving members of the body
• Sacrificial towards members of the body
• Not being put off by the faults of members of the body
• Loving every member of the body in the Spirit
• Gives unselfishly for the good of the body
• Humbly serving in love
• Longsuffering in bearing one another's burdens
• Keeping the unity of the Spirit
• Keeping the bond of peace
• Living in sensitivity to the Spirit (not grieving the Spirit)
• Never allowing a spirit of bitterness towards others
• Never speaking evil of others, or given to malice
• Readily forgiving those who need that forgiveness

The specified love, of loving as He loved, makes people usable.