Doubt & Devotion

1 Peter 2:1-3 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. ² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander—these are strong words that should not be associated with the believer. They are fruits of the old life that we once had. Now that we have been reborn into the family of God, we must renounce all forms of evil and engage in behavior appropriate to our new life. Just as Christ our role model is free from these things, so should we rid ourselves of them.

Nothing destroys unity as much as these evil do. The early church was specifically warned to put away all these things as they hinder the spreading of the Gospel. These forms of behavior were rampant in Greco-Roman society, and they are just as rampant in our society today. Any involvement of the believer in such behaviors does not only undermine Christian love but stunts the growth of the church.

Peter’s solution to this is for believers to long for pure spiritual milk. The metaphor has nothing to do with the recentness of conversion, since the main focus is not on milk but on hungering for it. This hungering is a fervent desire and intense longing. If we truly and eagerly yearn for God’s Word as a newborn longs for milk, we will have the strength to grow into salvation and say no to evil behaviors.

Still, if there is a reason that we will have the power to rid ourselves of all evil, it is that we have tasted the goodness of the Lord. Indeed, our Savior is kind, benevolent, and honorable. His yoke is light, and He is gentle and humble in heart. He is the source of all that is pure and holy, and the only one who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts, especially the longing for His Word.

Lord, cleanse my heart from every form of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and replace them with a deep hunger for Your Word. Help me long for the pure spiritual milk that grows me into maturity and strengthens my walk with You each day.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.