Topical Encyclopedia Definition and ContextMalice, in a biblical context, refers to the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others. It is a condition of the heart that stands in direct opposition to the love and righteousness that God calls His followers to embody. The New Testament frequently addresses malice as a sin that believers must put away, as it is incompatible with the new life in Christ. Biblical References The Apostle Peter warns against using Christian liberty as a pretext for malice. In 1 Peter 2:16 , he writes, "Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." This verse underscores the responsibility of Christians to exercise their freedom in Christ with integrity and love, rather than using it as an excuse to indulge in sinful behaviors such as malice. Similarly, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of malice in his letters. In Galatians 5:13 , he exhorts believers, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." Here, Paul emphasizes that Christian liberty should lead to service and love, not to the gratification of sinful desires, including malice. Theological Implications The concept of Christian liberty is central to the New Testament's teaching on the believer's life in Christ. This liberty is not a license to sin but a call to live in the freedom that Christ has secured through His death and resurrection. The misuse of this liberty to justify malice or any form of evil is a distortion of the gospel message. Malice, as a work of the flesh, is listed among the behaviors that are contrary to the Spirit-led life. In Ephesians 4:31 , Paul instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." The presence of malice in a believer's life is a sign of spiritual immaturity and a failure to fully embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Practical Application Christians are called to examine their hearts and motives continually, ensuring that their actions reflect the love and holiness of God. The call to live as servants of God, as Peter and Paul both highlight, involves a commitment to reject malice and embrace a life of love, humility, and service. In practical terms, this means that believers should be vigilant against any tendency to use their freedom in Christ as a justification for harboring ill will or engaging in harmful actions toward others. Instead, they are to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, kindness, and compassion, reflecting the character of Christ in all their interactions. Conclusion While Christian liberty is a precious gift, it comes with the responsibility to live in a manner worthy of the calling received. Malice has no place in the life of a believer who seeks to honor God and serve others in love. By rejecting malice and embracing the freedom to love and serve, Christians can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 2:16As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ... Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ... Of Civil Government. Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ... A Faithful Undershepherd The Origin of Evil. The Origin of Evil A Relaton of the Imprisonment of Mr. John Bunyan, Minister of the ... The Third Book 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) |
    |