Ephesians 4: 17-32

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

I find that throwing off our old nature is harder than you would think... you may overcome in one area but then a new issue arises... or did you have all the issues all along and God is just dealing with the biggest ones first? either way.. it takes a lifetime to put aside a sinful nature... whether it is outward sin or inward one... we are all seemingly always protecting self and that causes us to do and say some ugly things...
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

do not bring sorrow to the spirit by the way we live... that sounds alot like my theme verse.. walk worthy of the calling upon your life... the spirit has identified us as his own... I never thought of that before... he is guaranteeing our salvation by his presence... that brings back the question of the once saved always saved.. if the spirit is not present in someones life.. even if they have prayed for salvation, how would they be saved? (just thinking out loud...)
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

it is hard to get rid of bitterness and anger towards people who do you wrong... it is hard to not give them harsh words.. it is only by the power of the spirit that we can overcome this... to become tenderhearted and forgiving....