MY LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL
SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2021
AVOID MALICE
Main Text: Ephesians 4:31: “Get rid of all the bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice”.
1 Peter 2:1 – “Therefore, rid of yourself of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind”
Malice is a self-destructive emotion that every Christian must beware of. It means desire to take pleasure inn another’s misfortune. Malice is a product of prolonged bitterness and resentment which leads to unforgiveness.
You see, dwelling in unforgiveness opens ways for malice to creep into a person’s heart. As children of God, we are instructed to develop godly characters. Malice is not one of them, so must be fought against. It is a dangerous trait that we must do well to get rid of by constantly purifying and re-evaluating our life. It leads to all kinds of vices if left unchecked.
The root causes of malice as has been discovered are bitterness, hatred and envy. Anyone you hate or envy, you will find it difficult to think well of.
God is clear on how he wants his children to live. He says “live in love, forgive one another as Christ freely forgave us and bear with one another” (Col 3:13) He also told us to love our enemies and pray for those who spitefully use us and those who persecute us. In case you have indulged it, you can stop now and ask God for forgiveness.
MALICE IS LIKE VIRUS THAT GRADUALLY EATS OUT LIFE FROM ITS VICTIM. AVOID IT.
Prayer: Oh Lord my God, I receive grace to live in peace and harmony with people. Amen.
BY BISHOP NGOZI DURUEKE (HE REIGNS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL) To send your testimony, write us: mylivingwaterdevotional@gmail.com.