“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Ephesians 5:11
By Sue Wayman
Further documents were recently released by the Department of Justice in the US concerning Jeffrey Epstein, and in the UK the long-awaited Grooming Gangs appeal has commenced. The terrible stories of abuse are coming to light across the Western world, as well as details concerning silence, cover-ups and failure of police forces to prosecute, or even question those that may be involved.
As Christians not only have we been called to having nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but in the first few verses of Ephesians 5 we are commanded “…among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” If we have made a commitment to following Jesus then we are to live as “children of light”, and we know that light dispels darkness (John 1:5).
Ephesians goes one step further. We should not be afraid to speak up against evil deeds when we are called upon by conscience to do so. We are expected to do this in a way that convicts, rather than condemns, so that the wrongdoer may be led to true repentance which leads to godly transformation by the amazing power of the Holy Spirit.
Without joining in with the current cacophony of gossip, finger-pointing and judgment let us instead pray for the victims of abuse, and for exposure and conviction of the perpetrators. If we have the opportunity to speak into the lives of either party let us do so with mercy and grace. Let’s also pray that the perpetrators will face worldly justice, thereby being prevented from continuing their ghastly crimes.
For both parties, let’s pray that they will come to know Jesus and the miracle of the new birth for themselves. We know that only God can bring the healing and restoration that both need so badly.
Meanwhile let’s not forget the importance of living lives of purity and holiness, and of encouraging one another to do likewise.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth).”