Colossians 3:8d – The Opposite of Good

Picture of a man with a devil on his shoulder whispering in his ear.

[… rid yourselves of] … malice …

Summary: Words have meanings, and meanings are important. “Malice” may not be a word we use very often anymore, but it is a good word that describes a very common condition. 

One of the things Paul encourages us to get rid of is “malice.” Malice is a great word, but one we don’t often use. The simplest definition I found for it is “the intention or desire to do evil.”* More explicitly, it is a desire to do harm or cause suffering. 

Okay … “evil” is a small word, but it carries a big stick. What does “evil” mean? 

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Colossians 3:5e – Our Personal Tutor

Picture of a fly swatter in a glass cabinet marked "IN CASE OF EVIL BREAK GLASS"

[Put to death] … evil desires …

Summary: Paul’s instruction to put evil desires to death forces us to confront ourselves in the mirror of God’s truth. 

When Paul talks about putting “evil desires” to death, he opens the door to an important and fascinating conversation. 

Who decides what “evil” is? 

That sounds like a simple question. Evil is “evil,” right? After all, everybody knows what “evil” is, don’t they?

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