“Therefore putting away all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander” (1 Peter 2:1, KJV)

The apostle Peter writes to believers facing persecution and temptations, urging them to put away attitudes that corrupt the heart and divide the church.
These sins are not passive mistakes, but active choices that impede spiritual growth:
Malice: Desire to harm others.
Deception: Manipulation or lying for one’s own benefit.
Hypocrisy: Living a double standard.
Envy: Resentment for the success of others.
Slander: Speak ill of others to discredit them.

These behaviors are like weeds in a garden: if not pulled out, they choke out spiritual life (Hebrews 12:1). Peter contrasts them with the call to be “newborn babes” who long for the pure milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2). Only by cleansing the heart can we grow in Christ and build a healthy Church.

I invite you to examine your heart: Identify if there is malice, envy or hypocrisy in it. Is there someone you avoid, criticize or envy? Act with integrity: If you have deceived or spoken ill of someone, ask for forgiveness and repair the damage (Matthew 5:23-24). And feed yourself on the Word.

Let’s pray together and tell Him:
Lord and Holy Father, I thank You for Your Word that confronts me every day, forgive my heart when I have put into practice sins such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy or words that have harmed others. Restore my heart, help me and teach me with Your Word to strip myself of all weight and sin so I can run well, with patience and courage towards You. Purify my motives, align my words with Your Truth and fill me with Your love. May my life be a reflection of what You are doing, and the transformative power of Your Word. So be it. In Christ Jesus we pray, and we also want to continue in prayer for the brothers who are sick and/or recovering: Vicky, Gaby López, Aurelia, Brittany. We also pray for our brothers who are going to be out of town this week, may You, Lord, keep them and take them and bring them back safely. In the name of Christ Jesus we pray, Amen and Amen.

Ask yourself:
What spiritual ‘weeds’ do I need to pull out today so that the Word of God can flourish in me? Let us cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light – Romans 13:12b, RVR1960

Let us remember: Holiness is not just avoiding sin, but embracing the abundant life that Jesus offers! Peter doesn’t end here. After calling us to empty ourselves, he invites us to “long for pure spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2). God does not cleanse us to leave us empty, but to fill us with Him. Let us run together towards His transforming grace! Amen and Amen!! Hallelujah!!
Have a great and blessed Tuesday in the Lord!! May the Lord bless you as you remain faithful and obedient to His word. (John 8:30-32)

With Love in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Josué Gómez