Spoken of as Evil

Spoken of as Evil
Words of Faith 11-24-2021
Dr.Jeffrey D.Hoy © 2021
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Romans 14
    [16] Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.[17] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, [18] because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

     So how does this judgment thing pan out? Rule One: Don't judge others. Rule Two: Don't let your freedom cause a problem for others. Rule Three: Don't let what is good be spoken of as evil.
     That's right. When others judge you or those around you-- calling that which is good evil -- you don't have to put up with it. No, this is not a license to retaliate or sermonize (and certainly not to judge!), but you don't have to listen. The objections raised by others may cause us to take greater care not to cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble, but we also should not allow that which is good to be maligned.
     This goes for people as well as food and beverage choices. A great deal of gossip that goes around these days is not about who is eating meat sacrificed to idols, but it does call character into question. If someone calls a person evil, especially if that person is a brother or sister cleansed by the blood of Jesus, we cannot stand by and allow such a thing.
     The truth is that the Kingdom is not so much about eating and drinking as it is about a righteousness that can only be found in Jesus and His righteousness. The Kingdom is not about rules and regulations; it is about the infilling of the Holy Spirit that gives us peace and joy! We cannot allow someone to speak evil of a brother or sister because anyone who serves Christ is pleasing to God, even if they have faults! (We all do!)
     Those whom God has cleansed and forgiven and chosen to use, even in their frailty, should have no problem being approved by men.
     So this matter of judging is simple. Avoid judging others and avoid becoming a stumbling block, but also refuse to enter in with those who speak badly of others calling evil those whom Jesus has washed clean. Don't allow it. Walk away. It can only lead to bad places.

     Lord, give me the courage to speak the truth in love. Give me the courage to refuse to gossip with those who call evil that which is good. Give me Your eyes to see those around me who are cleansed by Your blood and to share the Good News with those who are not. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)        
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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