REMAIN A CHILD IN MALICE
1 Corinthians 14:20 (NKJV)
_“Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.”_
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV)
_“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”_
The Apostle Paul gives us a very balanced instruction concerning spiritual maturity. He tells us not to be children in understanding, but he also tells us to be babes in malice. In other words, while God expects us to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, He does not expect us to become skilled in holding grudges, nurturing bitterness, or keeping records of wrongs. There are some areas where maturity is required, and there are some areas where childlikeness is a virtue.
A child does not usually hold on to offenses for long. They may be upset one moment and playing happily the next. Paul says that when it comes to malice, believers should maintain that kind of innocence. Do not become a professional malice keeper. Do not become experienced in resentment. Do not become an expert in rehearsing offenses and preserving bitterness. The more mature we become in Christ, the quicker we should be to forgive and let go.
Unfortunately, some people grow in the wrong things. They become more skilled at remembering hurts than remembering God’s goodness. They become more mature in offense than in love. But God’s desire is that we grow in understanding while remaining inexperienced in malice. A heart that is free from bitterness creates room for God’s wisdom, peace, and grace to flourish. True spiritual maturity is not only seen in what we know but also in what we refuse to carry in our hearts.
Reflections:
• Am I holding on to offenses that God wants me to release?
• Have I become more skilled at remembering hurts than extending forgiveness?
• Does my heart reflect the childlike freedom from malice that God desires?
Key Takeaways
• God wants believers to be mature in understanding but childlike in malice.
• Spiritual maturity includes the ability to forgive and let go of offenses.
• Bitterness hinders growth, but a forgiving heart creates room for God’s peace and wisdom.
💻The scope news
