That's the question my friend asked me on the phone yesterday. I could tell by her tone of voice that this wasn't going to be a flippant conversation, but that her soul was really searching for a sincere answer. In that exact moment I didn't have a definition that I felt did justice to her need, but I did respond as adequately as possible.
As I laid in bed last night, I contemplated the question and the conversation with my friend and considered this dialogue about redemptive relationships. I felt more compelled than ever to pursue this question with the passion it deserves, as the Lord brought to mind Jesus' words recorded in Matthew 7 and Luke 11, " If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts..." All of the sudden, the evil definition wasn't about someone else's behavior, the Holy Spirit brought this discussion right down to my level.
So, this morning, I went to Websters to consult a language expert. As an adjective, evil is defined as wicked; causing or threatening distress or harm; pernicious (very destructive or injurious). As a noun, evil is the fact of suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoing; a source of sorrow and distress.
I think something in our societal thinking has taken the concept of evil and dressed it up in a way that keeps us "regular" people from relating to it. Because it's taken on a guise of the most ugly or heinous, we don't relate to the fact that Jesus was direct in identifying that evil is an innate part of each one of us. I have to admit, that I have been an evildoer from time to time in my life. I know that I've caused pain and been a source of sorrow. It's such a powerful force in human nature that Jesus example of how to pray included a specific request to "be delivered from evil." I believe He was referring to both the internal and external forces of evil.
If we head back to Luke, chapter 11 and see how Luke captures Jesus words in the second half of verse 13, "how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" It takes me back to remembering that I am not the source of anything good, because I am fallen and as a result, evil. It is God who manufacturers the good and the Holy Spirit who places that good in me. Sometimes, my ego gets ahead of my heart, and I need to be reminded that just because I'm not committing [that] evil doesn't mean that I'm not capable of all sorts of evil, if it weren't for the power of the Spirit in me.
Dealing with evil, in ourselves and others, is no mystery. In fact, having evil thrust upon us as a result of standing for truth is actually a good thing. Jesus clearly states in the Gospels that we are BLESSED (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous-- with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Imagine being envied because you have God's favor due to a persecution in you life. Now that's a real twist in our thinking!
Paul presents the pattern for dealing with evil in redemptive relationships. He states in Romans 12:21, " Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good." Now if you weren't convinced of your need for the Holy Spirit before, surely this is a compelling reason to seek Him. If we're going to "overcome evil," we must be capable of recognizing it. We must realize that God is not the source of evil, but He is the source of overcoming it.
The New Testament is loaded with references towards evil, what it is, how to identify it and how to respond. As a disciple, committed to following Christs example, this is the first step in developing a plan for dispensing God's grace in redemptive relationship.
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