The question of whether Christians should call out evil within the community of believers, among non-believers, or both has deep scriptural roots. The Bible provides clear guidance on this matter, outlining distinct approaches for addressing sin and evil within the church and broader society.
Calling Out Evil Among Believers
Scripture emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity within the Christian community. Jesus Himself provides a clear process for addressing sin among believers in Matthew 18:15-17:
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” (Matthew 18:15-17, KJV).
This passage outlines a step-by-step approach:
- Private Confrontation: Address the individual personally and privately.
- Small Group Confrontation: If the individual does not repent, bring one or two others to help address the issue.
- Church-Wide Confrontation: If the person still refuses to repent, bring the matter before the entire church.
- Separation: If the individual remains unrepentant, treat them as an outsider.
This method underscores the importance of reconciliation and repentance within the body of Christ, aiming to restore the sinner while preserving the church’s sanctity.
The Apostle Paul reinforces this approach in 1 Corinthians 5:11-13:
“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Corinthians 5:11-13, KJV).
Paul instructs the church to judge those within the community and to expel the wicked person, emphasizing internal accountability among believers.
Calling Out Evil in the Broader Society
The Bible also instructs Christians to address evil in the broader society. Ephesians 5:11 exhorts believers to expose the deeds of darkness:
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11, KJV).
The Greek word for “reprove” (ἐλέγχω, elegchō) means to expose, convict, or rebuke. This directive encourages Christians to reveal and confront evil actions publicly.
In Proverbs 31:8-9, the call to speak out for justice extends to defending the rights of the poor and needy:
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9, KJV).
This passage underscores the importance of advocacy and justice, calling believers to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.
A General Principle of Calling Out Evil
A broader principle of calling out evil is found in Isaiah 58:1, where the prophet is commanded to declare to the people their transgressions:
“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, KJV).
This command highlights the prophetic role of speaking out against sin and calling for repentance.
Final Thoughts:
The Bible clearly instructs Christians to call out evil within the community of believers and the broader society. The church focuses on reconciliation, repentance, and maintaining purity, using a structured approach to address sin. In the wider world, Christians are called to expose and rebuke evil actions, advocate for justice, and defend the vulnerable.
By following these biblical principles, Christians can effectively address evil, uphold righteousness, and contribute to a just and holy community within the church and the larger world.
