How can we ensure our "good" is not spoken of as evil today? Setting the Scene Romans 14 addresses disputable matters—issues where Scripture grants liberty, yet opinions clash. Verse 16 warns, “Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil”. The Spirit’s call is to guard our reputation and, more importantly, the reputation of Christ, by the way we exercise freedom. The Principle in Romans 14:16 • Liberty is real; license is not. • What may be “good” for you can appear harmful, divisive, or careless to others. • God’s glory and others’ edification outweigh personal preference. Guarding Our Witness in Daily Choices 1. Weigh the Setting • 1 Corinthians 10:23-24—“Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial… No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.” • Ask: Will this choice build up weaker believers or confuse them? 2. Protect a Good Name • Proverbs 22:1—“A good name is more desirable than great riches.” • Consistency in public and private habits keeps rumors from gaining traction. 3. Stay Above Reproach • 1 Thessalonians 5:22—“Abstain from every form of evil.” • Distance yourself from situations that invite suspicion, even if technically innocent. 4. Practice Transparent Communication • Titus 2:7-8—“Soundness of speech that is beyond reproach… so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us.” • Explain your motives; clarity prevents misunderstanding. Cultivating Clarity and Integrity in Speech • Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Refuse gossip; redirect conversations to what is verifiable and edifying. • Let “yes” mean yes and “no” mean no (Matthew 5:37). Vagueness feeds suspicion. Pursuing What Leads to Mutual Edification • Romans 14:19—“Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” • If an action unsettles fellow believers, choose the path of love and defer. • When liberty conflicts with unity, unity wins (Philippians 2:3-4). Anchoring Our Hearts in Kingdom Priorities • Romans 14:17—“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” • Focus on what the Spirit values: – Righteousness: personal holiness that silences accusations. – Peace: relationships marked by gentleness. – Joy: a contagious witness that draws outsiders to Christ. When Accusations Come Anyway • 1 Peter 2:12—“Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they will see your good deeds and glorify God.” • Keep doing good; in time, fruit will speak louder than slander. • Trust God for vindication—He sees and rewards faithfulness. Takeaway Snapshot • Walk in liberty, but lead with love. • Guard your name to guard Christ’s name. • Communicate motives; avoid gray areas that breed rumor. • Major on righteousness, peace, and joy. • If misjudged, stay steady and let your good works outshine the charge. |
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