So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. (1 Peter 2:1, ESV)
There are some big words in that verse. We may not know what they all mean. Here are some short definitions:
- Malice is having the intention to do evil/wrong.
- Deceit is to make things appear different than they are, usually for dishonest profit.
- Hypocrisy is to talk the talk, but not walk the walk.
- Envy is to desire someone else’s life.
- Slander is falsely portraying another person to others.
These five traits are related to one another. They compliment each other in the worst possible ways. Envy will cause me to act maliciously towards someone, perhaps slandering their reputation. Hypocrisy is a form of deceit in itself as I try to represent myself as someone who I am not. Any one of the five will quickly derail your life.
As we consider these five negative traits, can we consider the opposite? If we are to put away these five, what other five would we put on?
- Practicing Charity? This is acting generously and graciously towards others, even when they do not deserve it.
- Being Truthful? This is speaking the truth in all things even when it hurts.
- Being authentic? Be real. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge that you are a sinner. The Church is not for perfect people but for people who follow the perfect Savior.
- Living Content? Rest in God’s grace. Recognize that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
- Offering encouragement? Speak well of others. Seek to build up rather than to tear down.
Reflection
- Which of the five traits described in 1 Peter 2:1 do you most struggle?
- Ask God for forgiveness. Then consider how you can intentionally practice the opposite. Seek to make amends where necessary.
Prayer
Lord, if there is any malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, or slander in me – reveal it to me. Open my eyes to my waywardness. Move me to repent of my sin and receive the forgiveness Jesus won on the cross. Empower me to live holy and turn from the error of my ways. Give me the courage to make restitution towards those I have hurt. Amen.
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