How Do Christians Handle Evil?

How Do Christians Handle Evil?

This month's article addresses the recent evils that have occurred in our nation over the past few weeks, including the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent Christian figure accused by his attacker of spreading hate. Like many, I have been scrolling through my social media feeds and observing the division that has intensified in our country. In this article, I will not excuse this reality or turn a blind eye to the obvious. Instead, I will explore two questions: How do Christians handle evil, and what is the solution? In the following sections, I aim to answer these questions in a biblically informed manner.

1. Expect Persecution

John 15:20-21 : "Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me."

The media we encounter while scrolling our smartphones shapes our worldview. To counter this, let the Bible guide your thoughts more than social media apps. Jesus warned that persecution is inevitable for His followers, just as it was for Him. The text reveals that this persecution comes from those who do not know the true God. Throughout history, Christians have faced accusations of spreading hate or misrepresenting God, as seen in the tragic case of Charlie Kirk. In an age of moral relativism, those who reject God’s truth define "hate" based on a fluid, ever-changing cultural morality, including shifting ideologies like those surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, as Romans 1:22 states, "Claiming to be wise, they became fools." Christians must expose this folly without crossing into evil themselves.

2. Don’t Repay Evil for Evil

Romans 12:17 : "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone."

In a world filled with evil, choosing not to repay evil with evil stands out. It’s like starving a fire of fuel—eventually, it will die out. How can we navigate the seemingly impossible task of doing right in the eyes of everyone? We do this by remaining peaceful and gentle, even when others hurl insults or, God forbid, threaten our lives. We are called to embody the heart and mind of Christ, who prayed for His persecutors: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34, NIV). Not only should we refrain from repaying evil, but we should also recognize the blessing in persecution.

3. You Are Blessed and Should Rejoice

Matthew 5:11-12 : "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

How can Charlie Kirk’s family, including his wife Erika, rejoice now? They cannot immediately, as the immense grief of losing a loved one weighs heavily on their hearts. If you are mourning this loss, please accept my condolences. Those who grieve do not tread through sorrow alone—our hope is in Christ. When they emerge from this sorrow and see the good that God brings from this evil, such as people coming to faith in Christ because of Charlie’s death, they will rejoice and recognize their blessings as Christians. We are blessed because we stand for truth, which cannot be stopped or diminished. This truth will lead many to God’s kingdom, a reward for serving our great King.

4. Jesus Is the Only Solution

Colossians 2:3 : "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

The previous points addressed how Christians should handle evil. Now, I will address the solution: Jesus Christ. What makes Jesus unique is that He alone can destroy evil. You may wonder, "If Jesus destroyed evil, why does it still exist?" Evil persists, like an unwanted disease, but Jesus defeated it on a fundamental level through His death on the cross. This victory is applied one heart at a time as people come to faith in Him. The Triune God, who has always known everything fully, designed this plan. Only His omniscient mind can fully understand how evil intersects with historical events to bring glory to His name. In Charlie Kirk’s case, several people have come to know Christ because of his death, a glimpse of God’s redemptive work.

Jesus is the solution because He frees us from the evil within us. Once freed, we should expect persecution, rejoice in it, and refrain from repaying evil with evil. To think rightly about these truths, let the Bible guide you more than social media. Until next month, proclaim and share the Gospel, for the truth worth sharing and proclaiming is the truth that transforms.

Expect Persecution: The article cites John 15:20-21, noting that Jesus warned His followers to expect persecution from those who do not know God, as seen in accusations against Christians like Charlie Kirk for spreading "hate." How can you actively prioritize the Bible’s teachings over social media influences to shape your worldview and prepare for potential persecution in your own life?

Application Questions :

1. How can you actively prioritize the Bible’s teachings over social media influences to shape your worldview and prepare for potential persecution in your own life?

2. What are some practical ways you can respond with peace and gentleness when faced with insults or opposition, reflecting Christ’s example of praying for His persecutors (Luke 23:34)?

3. According to Matthew 5:11-12, Christians are blessed when persecuted for their faith, with a promise of heavenly reward. How can you cultivate a mindset of rejoicing in the face of adversity?

4. How can you actively share the Gospel in your daily life to help others experience Jesus’ victory over evil, and what specific actions can you take to ensure your faith remains rooted in biblical truth rather than cultural narratives?