Choosing Good, Fleeing Evil, and Being Gentle in Faith
“Walk away from the evil things in the world—just leave them behind, and do what is right, and always seek peace and pursue it.
For the Lord watches over the righteous, and His ears are attuned to their prayers.
But His face is set against His enemies; He will punish evildoers.” (1 Peter 3:11-13 The Voice)
If we want to stay far away from what’s wrong or hurtful in life, the best thing we can do is chase after what’s good. The more we fill our lives with kindness, honesty, and helpfulness, the less room there is for trouble. Hanging out with people who also want to do the right thing makes it even easier; their good habits rub off on us, and we’re not pulled toward dark or unhelpful actions.
The passage also warns us about getting caught up in arguments, especially about religion. Sometimes, people think faith is about winning debates or having the cleverest answer, but that’s not what really matters. God cares more about us believing in him and living out what he teaches than about complicated fights over who’s right. In fact, those who love to argue and get mean or stubborn aren’t really suited to teaching or guiding others. Instead, the best way to help someone who’s wrong is to gently show them the truth—not to pick fights or put them down.
It’s important to remember that turning away from bad choices and turning toward God (what the Bible calls “repentance”) isn’t something we can just make happen on our own. God is the one who changes our hearts and helps us understand what’s right. If someone is stuck in a bad pattern, the only way to get out is by asking God for help, again and again, with a sincere heart.
So, if we want to be true followers of Jesus (and this applies not just to pastors but to every Christian), we should aim to be gentle, patient, and ready to help others learn—not quarrelsome or harsh, but peaceful and understanding, even with those who disagree with us. In all things, we trust God to lead us and others into the truth, always remembering that it’s his kindness that brings real change.
Minister A Francine Green, May 2026