I t started with something small—a teasing remark at a Sunday potluck that struck the wrong chord. Within a week, two friends who once laughed together were avoiding each other. What began as a lighthearted moment turned into bitterness and silence. Moments like this show how quickly small offenses can snowball when left unchecked. Paul warned against the “works of the flesh”— “hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, [and] envy” (Gal. 5:20–21). These are more than attitudes; they are heart diseases that choke out our ability to “love your neighbor as yourself ” (Gal. 5:14).
Hatred (ekthra) is inner hostility—the opposite of love. John writes, “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer” (1 Jn. 3:15). Titus 3:3 reminds us that before Christ, we were “hateful and hating one another.” Hatred often begins quietly: a grudge, a hurt replayed in our mind. It grows when we refuse to forgive. We see it when someone cuts off a friendship or avoids a brother at church. Left alone, it turns into gossip that poisons unity.When bitterness rises, stop and pray for the person. It’s nearly impossible to hate someone you’re praying for. Jesus said, “Love your enemies… and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Matt. 5:44). Prayer softens what pride hardens.
Contentions (eris) means a quarrelsome spirit. Paul warned, “Avoid foolish disputes… contentions… for they are unprofitable and useless” (Tit. 3:9). Proverbs compares strife to a broken dam—once it starts, it’s hard to contain (Prov. 17:14). Today, contention shows up in text threads, online debates, or church disagreements. Pride says, “I have to win,” but love says, “I want peace.” Many rifts begin not with doctrine but with egos unwilling to yield. Before speaking, ask, “Am I trying to help or to win?” Scripture says, “Pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Rom 14:19). When peace becomes the goal, pride loses its grip.
Jealousy (zelos) is resentment over another’s blessings. It is selfish zeal. Saul felt it when the people sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 18:7). That jealousy drove him to hatred and madness. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for the same spirit: “Where there are envy, strife, and divisions… are you not carnal?” (1 Cor. 3:3). Jealousy still plagues believers when someone else gets attention, success, or joy—and we can’t celebrate with them. When jealousy whispers, “Why not me?” answer, “Because God knows what’s best for me.” Gratitude destroys jealousy. Thank God daily for your blessings, and sincerely “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Rom. 12:15).
Outbursts of wrath (thumos) describes explosive anger— the kind that flares up fast and fades slow. Proverbs warns, “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Prov. 29:11). James adds, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (Jas. 1:19–20). Life gives plenty of chances to lose our temper—traffic, disrespect, frustration. But anger rarely stands alone; it invites regret, hurtful words, and broken trust. When you feel anger rising, pause and pray. Count slowly. Step away. “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty” (Pro. 16:32). Restraint isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It may save both your peace and your witness.
Envy (phthonos) doesn’t just want what others have—it resents them for having it. Proverbs says, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” (Prov. 14:30). It was “because of envy” that the chief priests delivered Jesus to Pilate (Mk. 15:10). Envy thrives on comparison—scrolling through photos, hearing praise, or seeing success. It whispers, “You deserve that more.” But Paul reminds us, “Love does not envy” (1 Cor. 13:4). Replace envy with encouragement. If you admire someone’s success, tell them. A sincere compliment breaks envy’s grip. Envy divides; encouragement unites.
These sins feed each other. Hatred breeds contention: contention provokes wrath; wrath ignites envy. That’s why Paul cautions, “Do not give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27). Sin starts small—a thought, a feeling—but it gains speed downhill. “When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (Jas. 1:15). The only way to stop the snowball is to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16). The Spirit replaces hate with love, pride with peace, and envy with joy.“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol” (Gal 5:22–23). Love, when practiced daily, melts what sin freezes. As Peter wrote, “Above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8).
-Ryan Brewer