I Peter 2:1 NKJV

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

I Peter 2:1 NKJV

Peter taught and led believers to grow into maturity. He brought them to a point that they need to intentionally put off the works of the flesh, the fallen nature and its desires.

Malice, a deep habit that causes hurt to people. It stems from a distorted image that is ingrained in a person. It produces slander, envy, bitterness and hatred.

Deceit leads people away from the truth. It is leading people to the wrong knowledge that prevents them from being set free.

Hypocrisy is having a dual personality to portray something that we are not, to justify ourselves before people, and to give them an image that we are good.

Envy is a deep desire to have what others have while being dissatisfied with what we have. It is always comparing and trying to prove something to others.

All evil speaking is a list that can go on and on. It speaks all that is not in agreement with the work of Christ.

Peter is saying we have to lay all these aside. Intentionally look at our words, our thoughts, our hearts, and pull out all that is not of God.

But the most important part of this process is planting the right thoughts, the right words, the right image and being in the right standing with God.

The habits of the past need to be replaced with the life of Jesus.

We are a spirit being, born again into the very image of God.

We all have the capacity to produce godliness, peace and love that is according to God's image.

Many are being deceived because they don't know what Christ has done, and many live in envy because they don't know they already have all their needs met in Christ.

Let us put aside childishness and start to grow into maturity in Christ. Let us begin to walk as imitators of God, as His dear children.

Live in the blessings,

Ps Ambrose