Since the spiritual fall of Adam and Eve, evil has been a constant plague on humanity. We find it early, in just four chapters into the Book of Genesis when Cain murdered his brother Able because his brother gave a more honorable sacrifice than he did. What began with Adam and Eve’s sin grew in Cain’s murderous ways and spread throughout the entire human race. So much so that God looked upon the earth and was sorrowful. Genesis 6:5 tells us, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” This would eventually lead to the destruction of humanity, less Noah, his family, and two of every living creature, so their kinds would be spared.
From generation to generation, the presence of evil continues to plague the hearts of man. From acts of violence and injustice to corruption that permeates society, darkness surrounds us at every turn. It’s a haunting reminder of the brokenness that plagues humanity. As followers of Christ, we can’t disregard evil, especially when it impacts and challenges our morals daily.
Is It Justifiable for A Christian to Respond to Evil with Evil?
The concept of responding to evil with evil seems contradictory to the very essence of our faith. However, in the face of profound darkness and oppression, the question arises: Are there circumstances where a Christian can find justification in responding to evil with evil? Although we often feel justified to meet evil for evil, and sometimes we are, Jesus has given us a better way to fight: we fight evil with good.
The apostle Paul’s words in Romans 12:21 resonate deeply: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” This verse reminds us that the essence of Christianity lies in overcoming evil not with retribution but with good through the transformative power of the holy spirit. The Bible tells us that when we accepted Christ, we are a new creation. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead now resides in us and allows us to not respond in like manner to evil.
Romans 8:9-11 says, “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” This passage emphasizes that believers are indwelt by the Spirit of God, giving believers new life and enabling them to live according to God’s will.
Understanding the Christian perspective on love and forgiveness
The foundational teachings of Jesus Christ on love and forgiveness are the bedrock of the Christian faith. We find profound wisdom and guidance on these essential virtues in the Gospels. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus succinctly encapsulates His teachings: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
These words emphasize the importance of love for our God and one another. Jesus goes even further in Matthew 5:38-39 when he says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Matthew 5:43-45, he also reflects, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” These words serve as the guiding principle for Christians, reminding us that love should drive our actions and interactions.
Examples of responding to evil with love and forgiveness
1. Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34) – On the cross, Jesus exemplified the ultimate act of love and forgiveness by praying for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” In the face of profound injustice and pain, Jesus demonstrated divine love and offered forgiveness to His enemies.
2. Joseph (Genesis 45:1-15) – Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and enduring years of hardship, Joseph forgave them and showed them love when they later came to him seeking help during a famine. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph embraced them openly, displaying forgiveness and reconciliation.
3. Paul (Acts 16:16-40) – Paul and Silas were unjustly beaten and thrown into jail. However, instead of responding with bitterness or anger, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Their response of love and forgiveness through worship ultimately led to their miraculous deliverance and the conversion of their jailer.
These biblical examples demonstrate that responding to evil with love and forgiveness is a powerful testimony of faith.
Weighing the Boundaries of Confronting Evil with Evil
Christians are called to embrace love, peace, and forgiveness. However, when confronted with evil and the need to protect ourselves or others, the question arises: What is the role of self-defense and protection in the face of danger? While Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek and to love our enemies, Scripture also acknowledges the importance of self-preservation and the defense of the innocent. In Nehemiah 4:14, Nehemiah instructs his people, saying, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes.” Here, we see the recognition that there are times when we must defend ourselves and those under our care. Additionally, Exodus 22:2-3 says, “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.” These passages suggest there may be situations where self-defense is justified.
Despite examples in the Old Testament, the New Testament does not provide specific examples of Christians acting in self-defense. Some passages can be interpreted in support of self-defense. One example is in Luke 22:36-38, where before his arrest, Jesus advised his disciples to carry a sword, stating, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.”
Previously, Jesus had sent his disciples and asked them not to take anything, but conditions drastically changed, and the Lord wanted his men to be prepared for his absence. In their coming ministry, they would need swords (a precaution against robbers as they traveled). Ultimately, interpreting these passages and the question of self-defense is a matter of personal conviction and discernment.
Followers of Christ should pray, seek spiritual counseling, and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit when considering their response to situations involving self-defense.
Embracing the Power of Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
Followers of Christ must consider the weaponry God has given us to fight against evil. The apostle Paul discussed it in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
As Christians, we have been given a powerful tool in our spiritual toolkit: prayer. Prayer is not merely a religious act but a direct line of communication between us and our Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we engage in spiritual warfare, combating the forces of darkness and seeking God’s intervention in every aspect of our lives. Ephesians 6:12-18 reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Through prayer, we access God’s power and presence to break the enemy’s fiery darts. When we place our faith in Jesus and put on the full armor of God, we stand firm in his presence and the power of his might. Furthermore, Jesus Himself demonstrated the power of prayer during His earthly ministry. Matthew 26:41, Jesus advises His disciples to “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Jesus understood the importance of staying connected to the Father through prayer, especially in times of trial and temptation.
Final thoughts
In closing, as followers of Christ, we must seek guidance from scripture and the Holy Spirit when confronted with the dilemma of responding to evil with evil. We must weigh the boundaries of confronting evil, recognizing that our ultimate goal is not revenge but preserving life and protecting the innocent. Above all, we are encouraged to embrace the power of prayer and engage in spiritual warfare. Through prayer, we tap into God’s strength, inviting Him to intervene and bring about His divine purpose. In doing so, we find wisdom, discernment, and the ability to navigate these complex issues in a manner that aligns our hearts with the heart of Christ.
Disclaimer: While we explore the complex topic of confronting evil in this blog, we want to emphasize that if you or someone you know is currently in an abusive or dangerous situation, seeking immediate help is of utmost importance. Please reach out to the appropriate authorities, your local church, or a trusted friend or family member who can provide assistance and guidance. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and there are resources available to help you through difficult times. This blog is intended for informational and reflective purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice or immediate action when faced with harm or abuse.
