Entry #8 - I may or may not have these things in my heart

1 Peter 2:1-3 says:

Therefore, putting   malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and  all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

Me malice?  Surely there is none of that in my heart, right?  Or deceit, hypocrisy, envy or slander. I mean those are strong words reserved for wicked and evil people.  Just click on each word and check out the definitions.

In 1 Peter 1, he talks about our trials and what they produce.  So, I journaled about what hurts and disappointments had done in my heart.  When someone hurts us or those close to us, it's hard to wish them well.  It's hard not to talk about them and what they did.  It's hard not to be a hypocrite.  It's hard to not lie - even if it is only to myself.  Since the one who caused the hurt seems to be doing fine, let's throw in some envy too.  

Warning, warning!  If and when these things take over my heart and mind they can and will grow into the full definition of each word.  

Do you see what the word of God has just done?  It's exposed my heart and my thinking.  Peter says I am to put those things away, and like a newborn baby, I am to long for the milk of the word so I can grow in respect to my salvation, if I have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

In just typing these truths from God's word my heart is softened.  Yes, I have tasted the kindness of the Lord.  The taste is so sweet it seems to overpower the bitterness that is brewing in my heart.  I not only recognize what's brewing in my heart, but I want to put an end to that brewing.  I want to put them aside.  

And there is more.  Chapter 2 continues...