The Opposite of Evil

The problem with bad habits is that they’re so incredibly difficult to shake. We know they’re wrong, but it’s as though they’re engraved deep on our soul. Or is it just me?

Double-entry bookkeeping was invented by Italian accountant Luca Pacioli way back in 1494. For every debit in the accounts, there has to be a credit on the other side of the ledger. It’s a system that’s stood the test of time, laying the groundwork for modern accounting by providing transparency and rigour.

For every debit, there must be a credit. I wonder whether that doesn’t give us an inkling into the meaning of this powerful passage from God’s Word:

Ephesians 4:31-32 Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.

We chatted about the first bit, the “not doing evil” bit – the debit side of the ledger, if you will – yesterday. Now let’s move onto the credit side of the ledger. Be kind and loving to one another. There’s a hinge that swings us from evil to good, from debit to credit. The intent runs something like this:

Never do anything evil. [But instead] be kind and loving to each other.

In other words, when you’re tempted to do evil, stop, think, remember to forgive just as God in Christ has forgiven you and instead, do good. Instead, love that person who doesn’t deserve your forgiveness.

Replace the debit with a credit. And right there is God’s Holy Spirit power to replace the evil you were going to do with the good that He’s empowered you to do.

Never do anything evil. [But instead] be kind and loving to each other

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.