Acts of the Flesh
Welcome to the Learning Wall
Every one of us has questions about life, right and wrong, and the choices we make. Some even ask, “What does God say about it?”
The Learning Wall was created to help you explore biblical truth clearly and honestly. Through passages such as Galatians 5:19–21 and Romans 1:28–32, we can recognize attitudes, desires, and behaviors that develop when we live according to the flesh rather than according to God.
These words are not here to condemn, but to help us recognize, examine, and understand what Scripture reveals in the light of God’s Word.
Take your time. Read with an open heart. Ask questions. Most importantly, allow God’s Word to speak for itself.
“Truth Is the Desire.”
BACKBITERS... A backbiter is a person who speaks maliciously about another person behind their back with the intent of damaging their reputation, relationships, or character. God calls His people to speak truth in love, not to tear others down through slander or gossip. {Everyday Life} Backbiting often happens when someone speaks negatively about another person while they are absent. They may smile, hug, or speak kindly to that person's face, yet behind their back they spread rumors, exaggerate faults, or use words to damage that person's reputation. God calls His people to be honest, trustworthy, and to use their words to build others up rather than tear them down. Reflection Question? Do my words protect the reputation of others, or have I spoken about someone in a way that I would not say if they were standing in front of me? {God's Word} "They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters..." Romans 1:29–30 (NKJV) "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren..." James 4:11 (NKJV)
COVETOUSNESS... Covetousness is an excessive desire for something that belongs to another person or a continual craving for more than God has provided. Rather than being content and thankful, a covetous heart becomes consumed with obtaining what it does not have. {Everyday Life} Covetousness can appear when we become consumed with another person's family, marriage, career, home, possessions, talents, influence, or success. Instead of being grateful for what God has entrusted to us, our hearts become fixed on acquiring what belongs to someone else. Left unchecked, covetousness can lead to envy, greed, dishonesty, broken relationships, and other sins. Reflection Question? Am I grateful for what God has entrusted to me, or have I allowed my heart to become consumed with wanting what belongs to someone else? {God's Word} "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's." Exodus 20:17 (NKJV) "And He said to them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.'" Luke 12:15 (NKJV)
DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS.. Disobedience to parents is the willful refusal of a child or young person to obey, honor, or respect the righteous instruction of their parents or those entrusted with their care. God calls children to obey and honor their parents, while always placing obedience to God above all else. {Everyday Life} Disobedience can appear through refusing instruction, showing disrespect, rebelling against loving correction, or rejecting the guidance of parents or guardians who are "Seeking A Child's Good." At the same time, God's Word never calls anyone to follow instructions that contradict His truth. Children are called to obey and honor their parents in the Lord, recognizing that God is the highest authority. Reflection Question? Do I receive godly instruction with humility and respect, and am I honoring both my parents and God in the choices I make? {God's Word} "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Ephesians 6:1 (NKJV) "Honor your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with promise." Ephesians 6:2 (NKJV)
HATERS OF GOD... Haters of God are people who reject, oppose, or despise the one true God, His authority, His truth, and His ways. Whether openly or through the way they live, they resist God's rule over their lives and refuse to honor Him as Lord. {Everyday Life} Hatred toward God can appear by mocking His name, rejecting His Word, opposing Jesus Christ, resisting the work of the Holy Spirit, or refusing to acknowledge God's authority. Scripture teaches that God desires all people to come to repentance and to know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Reflection Question? Have I surrendered my heart to God's authority, or am I resisting His truth in areas of my life? {God's Word} "Being filled with all unrighteousness... haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things..." Romans 1:29–30 (NKJV) "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works..." Psalm 14:1 (NKJV)
MALICIOUSNESS... Maliciousness is a heart that deliberately desires to harm another person through words, actions, or intentions. It seeks to cause emotional, physical, or spiritual pain rather than showing kindness, mercy, and love. {Everyday Life} Maliciousness can appear through bullying, intimidation, humiliation, gossip, revenge, manipulation, or intentionally trying to embarrass, hurt, or discourage another person. It delights in another person's pain rather than seeking their good. God calls His people to show compassion, forgiveness, and kindness instead of returning evil for evil. Reflection Question? Do my words and actions bring healing and encouragement to others, or have I intentionally caused hurt through what I have said or done? {God's Word} "Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness..." Romans 1:29 (NKJV) "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV)
MURDER... Murder is the deliberate and unlawful taking of another human life. Because every person is created in the image of God, Scripture teaches that human life is sacred and must be protected. {Everyday Life} Murder is the intentional and unlawful taking of another person's life. Jesus also taught that murder begins in the heart when hatred is allowed to take root. God calls His people to value every human life, reject hatred, seek reconciliation, and love others as He has loved us. Reflection Question? Do I value every human life as God does, and have I allowed anger or hatred to grow in my heart toward anyone? {God's Word} "You shall not murder." Exodus 20:13 (NKJV) "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:15 (NKJV)
BOASTER... A boaster is a person who constantly exalts themselves, drawing attention to their own achievements, abilities, or importance while failing to acknowledge God as the source of every good gift. Boasting seeks personal glory rather than giving glory to God. {Everyday Life} There is nothing wrong with recognizing the talents, abilities, or opportunities God has given you. The problem begins when we believe we have accomplished everything on our own and seek recognition for ourselves instead of giving thanks to God. A boastful heart constantly says, "Look what I did." A humble heart says, "Look what God has done in my life." Reflection Question? When I speak about my accomplishments, do my words point people toward me, or do they give thanks and glory to God? {God's Word} "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me...'" Jeremiah 9:23–24 (NKJV) "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights..." James 1:17 (NKJV)
DECEIT... Deceit is the act of intentionally misleading others through lies, half-truths, twisted facts, or dishonest words. A deceitful person manipulates the truth for personal gain, to protect their image, avoid responsibility, or influence others. {Everyday Life} Deceit appears whenever a person twists the truth, leaves out important facts, exaggerates, manipulates information, or tells outright lies to protect themselves or gain an advantage. God calls His people to be people of honesty, integrity, and truth, even when telling the truth is difficult. Reflection Question? Are my words truthful and trustworthy, or have I been tempted to distort the truth to benefit myself or protect my image? {God's Word} "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV) "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV)
EVIL FULL OF ENVY... A person full of envy is consumed with resentment over the blessings, success, possessions, abilities, or relationships of others. Rather than rejoicing when others are blessed, they become bitter, wishing they possessed what others have or desiring to see others lose it. {Everyday Life} A heart full of envy constantly compares itself with others. Instead of celebrating another person's success, it becomes consumed with resentment, competition, and dissatisfaction. Left unchecked, envy can lead to bitterness, broken relationships, and other sinful actions. God calls His people to be content with what He has provided and to rejoice with those who rejoice. Reflection Question? Do I genuinely rejoice when God blesses others, or has comparison allowed envy to take root in my heart? {God's Word} "Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness..." Romans 1:29 (NKJV) "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." James 3:16 (NKJV)
INVENTORS OF EVIL THINGS... Inventors of evil things are people who devise, create, or promote new ways to practice or encourage evil. Rather than using their minds, talents, and abilities for what is good, they deliberately use them to spread wickedness, deceive others, or cause harm. {Everyday Life} Inventors of evil things use their creativity, influence, knowledge, or abilities to develop or encourage sinful ideas, harmful practices, deception, violence, or corruption. Instead of using their gifts to honor God and serve others, they use them to promote what is evil and lead others away from truth. Reflection Question? Am I using the gifts, talents, and influence God has given me to build others up and honor Him, or could my actions be encouraging what is harmful or opposed to His truth? {God's Word} "Being filled with all unrighteousness... haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things..." Romans 1:29–30 (NKJV) "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness..." Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)
EVIL MINDEDNESS... Evil mindedness is a heart and mind that continually entertains sinful thoughts, intentions, and attitudes. Rather than seeking what is good, true, and pleasing to God, it looks for opportunities to do harm, promote wickedness, or delight in evil. {Everyday Life} Evil mindedness can appear when a person constantly dwells on harmful ideas, enjoys another person's suffering, plans revenge, encourages wrongdoing, or looks for ways to deceive or injure others. God calls His people to renew their minds with His truth and to think about what is good, pure, and honorable. Reflection Question? What kinds of thoughts do I consistently allow to shape my heart, and do they reflect the mind of Christ? {God's Word} "Being filled with all unrighteousness... maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil mindedness..." Romans 1:29 (NKJV) "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure... meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
PROUD... A proud person has an inflated view of themselves, placing their own importance, opinions, or achievements above God and others. Pride resists humility, rejects correction, and seeks self-exaltation rather than giving glory to God. {Everyday Life} Pride can appear when a person refuses wise counsel, believes they are always right, looks down on others, seeks recognition, or takes credit for what God has done. Instead of walking in humility and gratitude, pride elevates self and resists correction. God calls His people to be humble, teachable, and thankful for every good gift He has given. Reflection Question? Am I willing to receive godly correction with humility, or has pride convinced me that I no longer need to learn or change? {God's Word} "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 (NKJV)
SEXUAL IMMORALITY... Sexual immorality is any sexual thought, desire, or behavior that violates God's design for sexual intimacy. Throughout Scripture, God reveals marriage as the lifelong covenant between one husband and one wife and reserves sexual intimacy for that relationship alone. {Everyday Life} Sexual immorality includes premarital sex, adultery, pornography, homosexual behavior, and any other sexual practice that falls outside of God's design for marriage. While the world often encourages people to follow their desires, God calls His people to pursue purity, holiness, and faithfulness according to His Word. Reflection Question? Am I honoring God's design for purity in my thoughts, desires, and relationships, or have I allowed my own desires to shape my choices? {God's Word} "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV)
STRIFE... Strife is the continual stirring up of conflict, arguments, and division between people. A person who lives in strife is quick to quarrel, unwilling to pursue peace, and often allows anger, pride, or bitterness to fuel ongoing disagreement. (Everyday Life) Strife can appear in families, friendships, churches, workplaces, or online conversations when a person constantly argues, provokes conflict, holds grudges, or refuses reconciliation. Rather than pursuing peace and understanding, they create tension and division. God calls His people to be peacemakers who speak the truth with humility, wisdom, and love. Reflection Question? Am I contributing to peace and reconciliation, or have my words and attitudes stirred up unnecessary conflict? (God's Word) "A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention." Proverbs 15:18 (NKJV) "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." James 3:16 (NKJV)
UNFORGIVING... An unforgiving person chooses to hold on to resentment, refusing to forgive those who have wronged them. While forgiveness does not excuse sin, deny justice, or erase the pain of what happened, God calls His people to forgive others just as He has forgiven us. {Everyday Life} Every one of us has been hurt by someone, and every one of us has also needed forgiveness. Some wounds are deep, and choosing to forgive can be one of the hardest decisions we ever make. Forgiveness is not pretending the wrong never happened or approving of sinful behavior. It is choosing to release the desire for personal revenge and entrusting justice to God. He is able to help us forgive, even when the pain feels overwhelming. Reflection Question? Is there someone I need to forgive, or is there someone from whom I need to seek forgiveness? {God's Word} "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14–15 (NKJV)
UNMERCIFUL... An unmerciful person refuses to show compassion, forgiveness, or kindness toward someone in need. While justice gives a person what they deserve, mercy chooses compassion when there is an opportunity to help, forgive, or show grace. {Everyday Life} Imagine an employee whose wife is seriously ill. He has been arriving late to work because he is caring for her before coming to the office. His employer knows the situation and has every legal right to terminate his employment because of repeated tardiness. Justice says the employee receives the consequence for being late. Mercy recognizes the circumstances and, if possible, chooses compassion by offering additional time, a different schedule, or another solution that helps the employee care for his family while remaining employed. Mercy does not ignore wrongdoing or deny that consequences exist. It asks, "Is there an opportunity to show compassion without abandoning what is right?" God has shown us mercy through Jesus Christ, and He calls His people to reflect that same mercy toward others whenever it is righteous and possible. Reflection Question? When someone has wronged me or failed, do I look only for justice, or do I also look for opportunities to show the mercy God has shown me? {God's Word} "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7 (NKJV) "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8 (NKJV)
VIOLENT... A violent person uses physical force, intimidation, or cruelty to harm, control, or injure another person. Whether driven by uncontrolled anger or deliberate intent, violence opposes God's desire for people to live in peace and value human life. {Everyday Life} Violence can appear through physical assault, domestic abuse, bullying, intimidation, threats, or destroying another person's property in anger. It often begins with an unchecked heart that allows anger, hatred, or cruelty to grow. God calls His people to reject violence, value every human life, and pursue peace with wisdom and self-control. Reflection Question? When I face conflict, do my words and actions reflect self-control and peace, or have I allowed anger to lead me toward harm? {God's Word} "The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates." Psalm 11:5 (NKJV) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
UNDISCERNING... An undiscerning person lacks spiritual and moral judgment because they refuse to receive wisdom, truth, or godly instruction. As a result, they struggle to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong according to God's Word. {Everyday Life} A lack of discernment can appear when a person ignores wise counsel, rejects biblical truth, follows popular opinion without testing it against God's Word, or repeatedly makes decisions without seeking God's wisdom. God calls His people to grow in understanding so they can recognize truth and live according to His will. Reflection Question? Am I seeking God's wisdom and allowing His Word to shape my judgment, or am I relying only on my own understanding? {God's Word} "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV) "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:14 (NKJV)
UNLOVING... An unloving person rejects God's standard of love by consistently choosing selfishness, pride, bitterness, and indifference toward others. Rather than reflecting the character of Christ, they refuse to love with patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and truth. {Everyday Life} An unloving heart may be impatient, unkind, jealous, boastful, proud, easily angered, selfish, or unwilling to forgive. It may keep a record of wrongs, delight in another person's failure, refuse to protect, refuse to trust, refuse to hope, or refuse to persevere. God calls His people to love others as He has loved us, allowing His love to transform both our hearts and our actions. Reflection Question? Does my life reflect the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13, or are there areas where I need God's help to love as He loves? {God's Word} "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NKJV) Want to understand what biblical love looks like? Read 1 Corinthians 13.
UNTRUSTWORTHY... An untrustworthy person is unreliable, undependable, and inconsistent in keeping their word. They may make promises they do not keep, betray another person's confidence, or fail to act with honesty and integrity, making it difficult for others to rely on them. {Everyday Life} An untrustworthy person may promise to help but never follow through, reveal private information that was shared in confidence, break commitments, or abandon others when they are needed most. Trust is built through honesty, faithfulness, and consistency over time. God calls His people to be people whose words and actions agree. Reflection Question? Can others rely on my words and actions, or have I developed a pattern of breaking trust or failing to keep my commitments? {God's Word} "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." Luke 16:10 (NKJV) "The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them." Proverbs 11:3 (NKJV)
WICKEDNESS... Wickedness is a settled pattern of thinking, living, and acting that is opposed to God's truth and righteousness. A wicked person rejects what is good, delights in what is evil, and willingly pursues actions that harm others and dishonor God. {Everyday Life} Wickedness is seen when a person repeatedly chooses evil over good, rejects God's truth, encourages sinful behavior, or intentionally harms others without repentance. Rather than pursuing justice, mercy, and righteousness, they embrace what God calls evil. God calls every person to turn from wickedness and walk in His truth. Reflection Question? Are my thoughts, choices, and actions leading me closer to God's righteousness, or have I allowed sin to shape the direction of my life? {God's Word} "Being filled with all unrighteousness... wickedness..." Romans 1:29 (NKJV) "The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness." Proverbs 15:9 (NKJV)
