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QUESTION 25:
Why is it that so many Christians speak evil one of another? Does not the Bible tells us not to speak evil of others?

ANSWER:
You are right in that the Bible does say that. "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." Titus 3:2. There is no doubt that there are a lot of faults among Christians. However, there is a vast difference between speaking evil of others and speaking of their evil. "For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." Mark 6:18. John is not speaking evil of Herod; he is speaking about Herod's evil. There is nothing wrong about it. To speak evil, is when one speaks of something that might not be true and they have a malicious attitude in doing it. This is wrong.

The purpose of speaking about evil is to expose and convict people of their sins so that they might repent and come to Christ for forgiveness. All throughout the Bible the prophets of God spoke of the evils of men. Isaiah was told, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Isaiah 58:1. The reason sin and iniquity is abounding today is the failure of God's people and preachers to expose it. If you are living in adultery, and many are, I am not speaking evil of you if I call it adultery. This is speaking the truth, but it should be in love. My motive should be to win you to Christ and not to destroy you. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." Proverbs 14:34.

Dear Reader, Have you repented of your sins? No repentance - no salvation. Jesus said "Repent or perish," Luke 13:3. It is an ultimatum! What are you going to do?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen