When Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, he addressed a misconception – that God’s grace allowed them to continue in their sinful behavior (cf. Romans 6:1-2). In fact, some were claiming that the apostle Paul himself was teaching this message.
However, Paul made it very clear that he did not teach such a doctrine: “Any why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), ‘Let us do evil that good may come’? Their condemnation is just” (Romans 3:8). Those who claimed that Paul taught the idea that doing evil was a legitimate way of bringing about something good were guilty of slandering the apostle. The concept was false and was not at all what Paul taught.
Sadly, many have this concept today. It has been referred to as “situation ethics,” and is the idea that the circumstances in which we find ourselves determine what is right or wrong at a given time. This has been used to justify lying in order to get ahead, adultery in order to leave one’s spouse for someone else, stealing because of one’s poverty, and much more.
However, Paul made it clear that those who “do evil” will be justly condemned by God. The Lord does not hold us to different standards based upon our situation. We should not try to justify sin – either our own or that of someone else – based upon certain circumstances.
So remember that the ends do not justify the means. If a particular practice is wrong, we must avoid it no matter the situation. Instead, we need to do what is right at all times.