Being called an 'evildoer'

"… when they speak against you as evildoers …" (1 Peter 2:12)

I was comforted by this verse today, the Bible's acknowledgment that those who believe God's Word and try to do right will be called "evildoers." I have come under fire lately for a certain course that is being called evil, or sick. I began to question myself, so vehement and so unified was their denunciation that I started to wonder if I had gotten it completely wrong after all: How could these intelligent people see my white as black unless it was really black?

So it was strengthening to read in God's Word that what is good will be called evil by those who don't know God, and that those who hold to God's Word will be called "evildoers." Persecution is never pleasant, but it is much easier armed with God's affirmation that being spoken of as an evildoer goes with the territory. Jesus was called evil too:

"Are we not right in saying that … you have a demon?" (John 8:48)

To be sure, we must examine ourselves to be certain from Scripture that our convictions are not in fact evil but are really in line with God's teaching. But once we have made certain of it-"Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" (Romans 14:5)-then we may carry on in peace, being careful to "keep [our] conduct … honorable" (1 Peter 2:12) as we proceed. In this way those who oppose us, Peter wrote, will see our good deeds and glorify God when He returns.

If you are a person who is in the Word, the Lord has a special comfort-and command-for you regarding the reproaches of those who are not in His Word:

"Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings" (Isaiah 51:7).

Talk truth to yourself and persevere.