Topical Encyclopedia Malice, in the biblical context, refers to the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others. It is a condition of the heart that is contrary to the nature and teachings of God. The Bible consistently warns against malice and instructs believers to rid themselves of such attitudes, as they are incompatible with the life of holiness to which Christians are called.Biblical References and Teachings 1. Ephesians 4:31-32 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage highlights the apostle Paul's exhortation to the church in Ephesus to eliminate malice from their lives. Instead, believers are encouraged to embody kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ. 2. 1 Peter 2:1 : "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." Peter urges Christians to abandon malice and other sinful behaviors as they grow in their spiritual journey. The call to rid oneself of malice is part of the broader call to pursue holiness and spiritual maturity. 3. Colossians 3:8 : "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." The apostle Paul instructs the Colossian believers to discard malice and other negative behaviors, emphasizing the transformation that should occur in the life of a believer. 4. Titus 3:3-5 : "For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." This passage contrasts the former life of malice with the new life in Christ, underscoring the transformative power of God's mercy and the Holy Spirit. Theological Implications Malice is fundamentally opposed to the love and grace that characterize the Christian life. It is a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to put to death (Romans 8:13). The presence of malice in one's heart can hinder spiritual growth and disrupt the unity and fellowship within the body of Christ. As such, the New Testament consistently calls for the eradication of malice among believers. Practical Application for Believers Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts and relationships, seeking to identify and remove any traces of malice. This involves a conscious effort to cultivate virtues such as love, patience, and forgiveness, which are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and accountability within the Christian community are vital tools in overcoming malice and fostering a heart aligned with God's will. In summary, malice is a destructive force that saints are called to avoid. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the example of Christ, believers are equipped to live lives marked by love and righteousness, free from the bondage of malice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 31:29,30If I rejoice at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him: Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 35:12-14 Library Quotations from Athanasius' Defense of his Flight. ' Yea, Though I Walk in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I Will ... The Way of Life and the Way of Death. Festal Letters. Evidences of Regeneration. An Exhortation to virtue -- and Particularly Upon the Passage... Ephesians iv. 32 and v. 1, 2 Of the Saviour's Doctrines and Miracles; and the Benefits He ... Good Days Motives Inducing to Religion to be Examined... Resources What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about conflict resolution? | GotQuestions.org Dealing with mean people-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Malice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Malfeasance in office: The Leasees of the Vineyard, in One of the Parables of Jesus Malfeasance in office: The Steward Mentioned in One of the Parables of Jesus Malice: A Hindrance to Growth in Grace Malice: Ahithophel Toward David Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites Malice: Brings Its own Punishment Malice: Christian Liberty not to be a Cloak For Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: Herod Antipas Toward Jesus Malice: Incompatible With the Worship of God Malice: James and John Toward the Samaritans Malice: Joseph's Brothers Toward Joseph Malice: Masters of the Sorcerous Damsel Toward Paul Malice: Nebuchadrezzar Toward Zedekiah Malice: Philistines Toward Isaac Malice: Potiphar's Wife Toward Joseph Malice: Pray for Those Who Injure You Through Malice: Samaritans Toward the Jews Malice: Springs from an Evil Heart Malice: The Jewish Leaders Toward Jesus Malice: The Wicked: Filled With Malice: The Wicked: Speak With Malice: The Wicked: Visit Saints With Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) |
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