1 Peter 2:1-3
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
TL;DR:
Let go of malice, deceit, and bitterness—and pursue a pure heart. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It takes intentional prayer, daily time in the Word, and constant surrender. We’re saved by grace, but holy living brings deep peace.
I have a huge desire to rid myself of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander—just like 1 Peter 2 commands. But here’s the honest truth… I still struggle.
It’s a little embarrassing to admit, especially after walking with Jesus for so many years. You’d think I’d be past this by now. And while I’ve grown, I still battle these thoughts that sneak into my mind and try to take root in my heart.
Bitterness. Resentment. Ill will. Deceit.
When these feelings rise up, they infect my heart—and before long, I feel cold, heavy, and disconnected. It’s like a spiritual illness. And the only medicine that works? The love of Jesus.
To fight back, I spend daily time in the Word of God, reflecting on what it means and imagining how to live it out. I often pray:
“Holy Spirit, fill my heart and mind. Let me decrease, and You increase in all I think, say, and do. Give me a pure heart, O Lord, that I may sincerely love others as You love me. Give me strength to do what is right, even when I feel wrong.”
This prayer centers me. It helps me refocus and remember: I’m not doing this alone. And neither are you.
We are not saved by our ability to think holy thoughts or act perfectly—we are saved by grace alone. But when we pursue holy thinking and holy living, we experience a peace that replaces the chaos and unrest our flesh so easily stirs up.
None of us do this perfectly. That’s why we thank God daily for the continuous forgiveness we have through the powerful gift of Jesus. So let’s keep shaking off what we don’t want, and pressing forward into what we do—His righteousness, peace, and love.
You’re not alone in the fight. Keep going. Keep growing. Keep craving pure spiritual milk. 🙏❤️😇
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