“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
1 Peter 2:1/NIV
With this biblical passage, clear teaching is provided regarding how we should not live. Malice relates to having ill will towards others as well as the desire to do evil. Hypocrites are folks who say they believe one way, but their actions are completely contradictory! Envious souls are jealous individuals who desire to have what their neighbor has despite not working hard for that gain! Slanderers are not hard to find because they tend to speak the loudest and what they say is harmful and damaging to others.
As I read the Bible, I am provided with teaching focusing on thinking, speaking, and behaving. The Bible has sixty-six books teaching about how humanity can get into trouble and how that may look. Fortunately, the Bible quickly offers instruction about how we can avoid trouble and view problems and situations with healthy insight. As this optimal view is achieved, one should make healthy and helpful choices. Healthy insight and choices stand a greater probability of a positive outcome being achieved. Likewise, optimal decisions which result in good behaviors minimizes the risk of regret with our actions.
The Bible speaks of the sinful nature, actions, and calamity that humanity was involved in thousands of years ago, and much seems the same today. I understand that God made humans with “free-will” capability, which provides an opportunity to make bad choices throughout our lifetime. Many passages speak of God’s loving, kind, patient, and forgiving nature as I read in the Bible. I am thankful for these qualities because I imagine mankind has been spared from God’s wrath that was warranted!
The Apostle Peter provides very sound teaching and guidance regarding how we should live: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9/NIV). As we demonstrate these qualities, we will live in a manner that pleases God!C
Self-reflection considerations: Considering 1 Peter 2:1 and 1 Peter 3:8-9, which of the two passages best represents me? Regarding 1 Peter 3:8-9, which qualities do I need to embrace?
Many blessings to you!
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A Faithful Sower Publishing is a limited liability company that is dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and help guide people into a relationship with God and grow in that relationship. The publisher, editors, and authors achieve that end through prayer and the careful exposition of the Bible to best explain and illustrate Scripture in a meaningful engaging way so others can apply its truths to their everyday life. The mission of the the A Faithful Sower ministry team is to carry out the Great Commission issued to all who choose to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Jesus commands us to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).
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