When Evil Reigns, We Respond

Community,

Evil is an ever-present reality in our world. The last few weeks has come with daily reminders of that through the murders of Iryna Zarutska, Charlie Kirk, and others in our communities whose names have not made the nightly news. The school shooting in Colorado as well as the anniversary of 9-11 show the atrocities that can occur when the enemy is able to deceive man, wreaking havoc on God’s creation.

Where is God in all of this and how should we, the church, respond?

Where is God in all of this?

Scripture time and time again tells us the answer to this question. God is with us. Probably one of the best known, most beautiful verses that validate this truth is in Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” The Psalmist reflects on God’s presence with Him even in the darkest of locations. This is just one of many passages we see God telling us, He is with us.

The repetition of this truth throughout scripture is not an accident. God really means it and we need to be continually reminded because at times, it feels hard to believe. When we see things like what has happened, we may know that God is with us, but we may not feel like He is. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” When we struggle to feel God’s presence, whether its because of evil in the world, or because of our own struggles with sin, God wants to comfort us and to guide us. But we need to draw close to Him. We need to open our Bibles, get on our knees in prayer, and put the time in to growing our fellowship with God. He want’s that from us, and He wants that FOR us. He is here, waiting for us to turn to Him.

How should we respond?

Jesus said in Matthew 5: 43-45:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

When we see evil in the world, when our communities are divided, and when emotions are charged with tensions running high, how should the Church respond? Love. You probably knew that was the answer, didn’t you? It is the Sunday school, simple, “Christian” answer, right? Just because it’s simple, does not mean it is easy. Love in this situation is hard, in fact, it can feel near impossible!

But let me suggest something here, we do not need to feel love towards those who have propagated evil actions, or to those who we may disagree with in times of conflict. I do not believe that is what Jesus is commanding.

There are several words for love in New Testament scriptures, but the most quoted one is the word agape’. You have probably heard pastors or Bible study teachers cite this word before, as it is the most common way that God’s love is defined. The word agape’ is a noun, but it also comes in the verbal form, agapao. That is how Jesus uses the word love here, in its verbal form. In doing so, I don’t believe Jesus is telling us we need to feel love (noun) for our enemies, but rather, we need to show love. Love in this case is an action. This is a small nuance, but I think it makes a world of difference. It is easy to feel love for my wife and children, but not towards those who I strongly disagree with.

How do we show love to those we don’t feel love for?

1 Corinthians 13 helps to answer this question. Unlike Matthew 5 above, in this passage, every time the word “love” is used, it’s the noun form agape’ and every descriptor that follows “love” is in verbal form (i.e. an action). To make it easier, the nouns are in blue, and verbs are in green:

Love is patient and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Paul gives us actions that show love. Love (noun) is practicing patience and kindness, even towards those with whom we disagree. That kindness can come in the form of prayer, gentleness, forgiveness, etc. Love does not cause us to act rudely or obnoxiously. Love does not allow evil to provoke evil thoughts in us and it does not rejoice in the misfortunes of others.

Now let me ask you, how have you done showing love to others, particularly those who differ in opinions from you, over the past week? I’ll be the first to admit, I have failed in all of them.

I am not suggesting that evil actions don’t deserve justice. Nor am I saying that Biblical truth shouldn’t be clearly spoken in misguided conversations. But I am suggesting that we as the Church take a moment to examine ourselves collectively and individually and ask, “are we responding to these situations the way Jesus would respond?” Are we hating the evil thoughts and actions that the enemy has propagated or are we hating people? Real lost, broken, and deceived people who need Jesus just like you and I do. Are we introducing them to that Jesus by how we treat them or are we further provoking them by being the focal point of our own emotions and anger. It’s ok to be angry, it’s ok to have emotion, but we cannot let our anger lead us to into sin ourselves (Ephesians 4:26).

Our Future Hope

Even reflecting on these truths, I still feel heaviness. I don’t like the way things are any more than the rest of you. I hate that the enemy has deceived man. I hate that sin has broken the very fabric of our world and wreaks havoc, seeking to steal, kill and destroy. I hate that I personally fail to reflect Christ daily, and I hate the pain that people are feeling across the world.

But I do have hope that we, the body of Christ, through the power of the Spirit can respond with light and love. I have hope that the Church will not be complacent but will be reinvigorated for Christ and sharing the Gospel truth in love. And I have faith in the words of Revelation 21:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Come Lord Jesus, Come.