Spring/ Life Cleaning

1 Peter2:1 “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” (Emphasis added)

            Lord, this could not be any clearer as a command.  Loving others deeply from the heart and all of these things cannot co-exist.  Loving YOU deeply and doing these things cannot coexist!  You are holy, they are unholy.

            Lord, You know at times I have been guilty of all of these things and You and others have graciously forgiven.  I must confess that there are still times I have malicious thoughts toward those who commit heinous crimes.  Then I have to remember that I am to hate the evil act, not the perpetrator.  I have to remember that they are still slaves to sin.  But You say to rid myself of ALL malice.  Lord, give me a greater love, YOUR love for others.  After all, as You were being tortured, mocked, lied about, slandered, betrayed, and murdered; You said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”  I am to follow Your example.

            When I am in the car and someone who is driving recklessly cuts me off, tries to run me off the road, or pushes me to speed, Lord, slander comes too easily to mind and I have to confess.  Again, give me Your love for that one and help me to pray for their safety as well as my own and for whatever condition they are in that causes them to do what they are doing.

            Deceit and hypocrisy certainly go together.  One thing I prize in a relationship is pure honesty (in love of course).  I want to be, and want to be around people who are always, the “real deal”, not a fake or one who puts on a façade.  I want others to see me as I am (with all the warts and wrinkles with no make up to hide them).  I never want to give just lip service to You, but live out my Christianity boldly and honestly before You and others.  Help me, Lord