Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

(Continued from Day 361)

Evil people often have a “ministry” of taking up the offenses of others. Taking up offense is not a ministry, though—it’s a misery. Instead of helping, it harms. Instead of ministering, it’s meddling. If you are not part of the solution but involve yourself, then you are part of the problem. All you’re doing is multiplying the pain, not relieving it.

The result of taking up the offenses of others is great evil, sometimes even in the name of God. “God told me to do this. God called me to do that.” I would say, “Don’t believe every spirit because not every spirit comes from God. We must test spirits. You may have gotten a word, but it may have been a word from the enemy to destroy instead of a word from God to build.”

Evil people are relationally cunning. “Smooth talk.” “Flattery.” “Deception.” These people know how to work others’ emotions. If you’re scared, they will exacerbate your fears and say that only they can protect you and keep you safe. If you are a lonely person, they’re going to put an arm around you and say, “I love you. You can depend on me.” If you are a very proud person, they will flatter you and tell you how amazing you are. Evil people know how to manipulate. They know how to play you and wrap it all in the guise of religious deception.

Evil people are not beyond God’s help, but they are beyond your help. Paul knows this because before he met Jesus, the apostle was very evil. He hated Christ and Christians. He was a religious terrorist. Christians probably tried to talk to and pray for him, but nothing changed until Jesus came down from heaven and knocked him to the ground. Then, as a new believer, Paul began meeting with church leaders, such as James and Peter. They were the “professionals” who could help him.

How do you respond to evil people? You don’t. Similar to the popular American phrase, “We don’t negotiate with terrorists,” you cannot negotiate with evil people. You cannot reconcile or compromise with them. Instead, you must avoid them. This may mean changing your number or blocking someone on social media. You get to a safe distance away from them and protect yourself.

As hard as it may be to say or do nothing, especially when someone speaks badly of you or desires ill will toward you, the Holy Spirit will help empower you to do what’s safest for you in your situation. You can forgive someone and release bitterness against them without reconciling with them.

Today’s Reflection

Do you know any evil people in your life? What boundaries do you need to draw to protect yourself and your family?