Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness? Or what harmony does Christ have with Belial, or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? (vv. 14-15)

We live in a strange time when many can no longer distinguish between good and evil. People call something good if it benefits them and evil if it disadvantages them. In this way, they act as their own god, judging everything by their personal standards.

This tendency is even stronger in some churches. The line between good and evil becomes blurred. Churches welcome false Christians who no longer follow sound doctrine, as long as there is financial gain. Some even claim that unbelievers will be forgiven and enter heaven regardless of faith.

Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL AMONG THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. (vv. 16-18)

At the present time, it is often better not to argue about religion. Many people are weary of disputes about whose god is better or true. I avoid unnecessary debates. If someone asks about Christianity, I am ready to share what I believe. But I do not want to spend my time arguing with those who have no interest in reading the Word of God and are only curious about different ideas.

Those chosen by God will eventually seek His Word. The Bible is widely available—sold everywhere and freely accessible online—except in places where Christianity is banned or in isolated communities. Even there, the gospel reaches people according to God’s plan. What is saddening is that some who receive the gospel with joy are later misled by people in churches who call evil good and good evil.

Paul the Apostle was alarmed, as we read in First Epistle to the Corinthians chapter 5, that the church in Corinth tolerated serious wrongdoing. Even today, some churches allow those living in open adultery to take part in the Lord’s Supper, telling others that Christians must simply forgive and move on.

Many people do not want to live morally. Movies and books often portray lawbreakers as admirable. Freedom is frequently misunderstood in the media. True freedom is not doing whatever we want; it is being released from a sinful life. We are no longer slaves to sin. If we are truly free, why would we continue to pursue immorality and be consumed by sinful desires? Many call themselves free but keep sinning. Truly free people hate sinning. They uphold the law.

Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now that you maintain, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. (John 9:41)

Those whom God has chosen and loves seek to live in ways that please Him. We do not repay evil for evil. We endure suffering until Jesus Christ returns. However, we must still call evil what it is. Do not be enslaved by anything or anyone. Our souls are free, whether we are in chains or not.

Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. (Romans 12:17)