How do we get rid of the negative traits in our lives that bring the wrath of God (Colossians 3:5-6)?

We start this cleansing process by keeping our minds focused on God. Romans 12:1,2 (Phillips translation), “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God remold your minds from within…meet all his demands and move toward the goal of true maturity.”

Philippians 4:4-9 (Phillips translation), “Delight yourselves in God…never forget the nearness of your Lord. Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds…if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good. Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you…and you will find the God of peace will be with you.”

Then we need to practice what we have learned. We observe and obey Jesus’s life example as He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself (deny his self-will and obey God’s will), and take up his cross, and follow me,” Matthew 16:24. By obedience to God’s will in our lives, we develop character. 

However, we definitely cannot do this without God’s holy spirit. Therefore, you must be a spirit-begotten Christian. Romans 15:13 (NIV), “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:19, “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…”

It is only by the power of God that our minds, wills, hearts, characters, and conduct can be transformed. Study, pray, trust, and obey to develop Christ’s character likeness of “…love, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, tolerance and self-control,” Galatians 5:22-25.

Finally, when you do sin, remember “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9.  Then with God’s help, strive again to better do His will.