How are we, as Christians, supposed to approach people that want nothing but what is evil? The world seems to become eviler and eviler by the hour.
Solid Christian principles are required to adequately represent Christ during trying social times when the world insists on calling good what God has described as evil. This can include any social whims of a fallen world – abortion, adultery, gluttony, vanity, selfishness…. and anything and everything in between. We can’t ignore evil – Paul dealt with this in his letter to the Romans. Here is how he addressed it:
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS UPON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9–21.
It is incredibly tempting to go along with the world. The world’s arguments seem to make sense, and many try to use God’s Word to justify their words and deeds, but God makes no apologies, and we have no excuse to go along with or condone evil.
Let’s look at some critical takeaways from Romans 12:
Love without hypocrisy. This is the most significant issue in Christianity that turns people away from the church. But wait! Are we supposed to live sin-free lives as the world expects? No! That is impossible in these bodies. We are to confess our sins before men and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ for saving us from those sins. Acknowledge your sins and let people know you are working with the Holy Spirit, never to commit those sins again. Don’t let the world use your sins to distract you from the Gospel of Christ. If someone points out a sin you have committed, don’t back away from it – embrace it and use the acknowledgment to express your gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s endless love. We aren’t perfect this side of Heaven; don’t let the world beat you over something God doesn’t even remember!
Abhor evil, and cling to what is good. Abhoring is the most potent form of hatred. Abhor evil. Do not call people evil – call their actions evil, which is true. An evil person cannot be saved. Someone who is practicing evil can be saved and turned away from evil. As Christians, we must know and show that difference in our words and deeds. Prison ministry has been a very fruitful ministry. Why? Because prisoners are aware of the evil they have committed and are receptive to the message of salvation – even though salvation isn’t a sentence commutation, it is an eternal decision. What the world calls good that God calls evil is evil. If you are going against God on this, seek out other Christians and study what the Word of God says. Seek the truth – God answers all your questions in the Bible.
Minister to people who practice evil, do not condemn them; as Paul says in verse 19, vengeance is His, and you don’t want anyone to endure God’s vengeance. So, minister to those who practice evil. Comfort them when they are sad or hurting, and pray for and over them where they can hear you. Make them wonder why you love and care for them so much. Not everyone will respond positively, but don’t change your attitude. They aren’t rejecting you, they are rejecting Christ, and that should break your heart for them and only want to minister more.
Living in the Last Days requires Christians to minister and follow the Great Commission of going and making disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Hang out with brothers and sisters in Christ. We all need the support and renewal of spirit that comes from fellowship. Go into the world to minister, not to judge and condemn. Time is short, and we must save as many people as possible from God’s coming wrath.
Your Brother in Christ
