Topical Encyclopedia Malice, as understood within the biblical context, is a deep-seated animosity or ill will that manifests in a desire to harm others. It is a condition of the heart that is contrary to the nature of God and the teachings of Scripture. The Bible consistently portrays malice as a product of an evil heart, one that is not aligned with the righteousness and love that God commands His followers to exhibit.Biblical References and Context The concept of malice is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting its destructive nature and its roots in the human heart. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently warns against malice, urging believers to rid themselves of such attitudes. In Ephesians 4:31 , Paul writes, "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 disrupt the unity and peace within the Christian community. Similarly, in Colossians 3:8 , Paul exhorts, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth." This passage underscores the necessity for believers to actively reject malice and its associated behaviors, as they are incompatible with the new life in Christ. The Heart as the Source of Malice The Bible teaches that malice originates from an evil heart, a heart that is not surrendered to God. Jesus Himself addresses the condition of the heart in Mark 7:21-23 , stating, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." This passage highlights that malice, along with other sins, is a reflection of the inner moral state of an individual. The Old Testament also speaks to the nature of the human heart. In Jeremiah 17:9 , it is written, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse emphasizes the inherent sinfulness and deceitfulness of the human heart, which can give rise to malice and other sinful behaviors. The Call to a Transformed Heart While malice springs from an evil heart, the Bible offers hope for transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to undergo a renewal of the heart and mind, aligning themselves with the character of Christ. In Romans 12:2 , Paul encourages, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Furthermore, the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 , stands in stark contrast to malice: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These virtues reflect a heart that has been transformed by God's grace and is no longer governed by malice. Practical Implications for Believers For Christians, the call to reject malice is both a personal and communal responsibility. Individually, believers are to examine their hearts and seek God's help in rooting out any malice that may reside within. This involves confession, repentance, and a commitment to living according to God's standards of love and righteousness. Communally, the church is to be a place where malice is not tolerated, and where love and forgiveness prevail. In 1 Peter 2:1 , believers are instructed, "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." The church is to be a reflection of God's kingdom, characterized by unity and peace, free from the divisive and destructive influence of malice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 15:19,20For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 5:19 Library The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart Of Evil Angels The Origin of Evil. The Origin of Evil A Description of Heart-Purity The Circumcision of the Heart The Saviour's Many Crowns Good Days Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ... The Growth and Power of Sin 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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