Well, things have officially gotten a bit weird. Social distancing may mean you have more time on your hands to get real with God? Today's verse of the day from biblegateway.com certainly has some relevance...bible ignorance and illiteracy is a huge problem. So is an ugly heart.
1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. NASB
- It's crucial to examine your heart for sin before you do this. Confess and repent. 1 John 1:9
- Are you eager for spiritual growth?
- Do you know that you're saved?
A simple word study is often helpful.
- malice - G2540 badness, depravity, naughtiness or wickedness, desire to injure
- deceit/guile G1388 tricky, trap, entice, stealth
- hypocrisy G5272 playacting, deceit
- envy G5355 jealousy, ill will, spite
- slander/evil speakings G2636 defamation, backbiting, talk against.
Meaning: this one is painfully easy. Everything above is something we're capable of. Hopefully it's not present in your church.
Application: There are Christians that have an ugly heart. And yes, they even hang out in churches. So if you're a backbiter, shame on you. You need to make it right. If so and so if fat and smells bad, Matthew 18:15 applies. So does Galatians 6:1. Before you embark on this journey, be sure to remove the log from your own eye first.
Blessings on your day.
