Topical Encyclopedia Malice, defined as the intention or desire to do evil or cause injury to another, stands in stark opposition to the teachings and character of God as revealed in the Bible. The Scriptures consistently portray malice as a destructive force that is incompatible with the worship and service of a holy and loving God.Biblical Definition and Condemnation of Malice The Bible explicitly condemns malice as a sin that corrupts the heart and disrupts the community of believers. In Ephesians 4:31, the Apostle Paul exhorts the church, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, malice is listed among other vices that are to be eradicated from the life of a believer, indicating its destructive nature and its incompatibility with Christian virtues. Malice as a Barrier to Worship Malice not only harms interpersonal relationships but also serves as a barrier to genuine worship. Jesus emphasized the importance of reconciliation before worship in Matthew 5:23-24: "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." This passage underscores the necessity of addressing malice and conflict before approaching God in worship, highlighting that harboring ill will towards others disrupts one's relationship with God. The Call to Love and Forgiveness The antidote to malice is found in the call to love and forgiveness, which are central to the Christian faith. In 1 Peter 2:1, believers are urged to "rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." This call to action is rooted in the transformative power of the Gospel, which enables believers to reflect the love and forgiveness they have received from God. The Apostle Paul further instructs in Colossians 3:12-13, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Malice and the New Nature in Christ The incompatibility of malice with the worship of God is further emphasized by the new nature believers receive in Christ. In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul writes, "You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This transformation involves a rejection of malice and the adoption of a life characterized by righteousness and holiness, reflecting the character of God. Community and Unity in the Body of Christ Malice disrupts the unity and fellowship within the body of Christ, which is essential for effective worship and witness. In 1 Corinthians 5:8, Paul encourages the church to celebrate the Christian life "not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." This metaphor illustrates the purifying effect of removing malice from the community, fostering an environment where sincere worship and genuine relationships can flourish. Conclusion The biblical teaching on malice is clear: it is a sin that must be eradicated from the life of a believer. Its presence is incompatible with the worship of God, as it hinders both personal spiritual growth and the unity of the church. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to reject malice and embrace love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, reflecting the character of Christ in their lives and worship. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 5:7,8Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Civil Government. Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea. Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... The First Epistle of St. Peter On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ... Letter Lxxxii. (AD 405. ) The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ... Resources Who was John Foxe? What is Foxe's Book of Martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about being nosey? | 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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