For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
The Nature of Free Will
We often think about the existence of evil and why it seems to prevail in our lives and communities. The concept of free will plays a significant role here, as God created us with the ability to make choices. This means that we can choose good or evil, love or hate. The gift of free will is powerful, as it leads us to make decisions that define our relationship with God and others. Our choices can lead to a life filled with goodness, but they can also result in the presence of evil. As we reflect on free will, we are reminded that God respects our choices, which includes the freedom to choose evil.
Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. – Deuteronomy 30:19
James 1:14-15
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. – James 1:14-15
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. – Galatians 6:7
Romans 6:16
Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? – Romans 6:16
Matthew 12:36
But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. – Matthew 12:36
The Influence of Sin
As we contemplate the presence of evil, we can’t overlook the impact of sin. Sin is not just a single action; it is a stain that affects our hearts and the world around us. From the moment Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, sin entered our lives, creating a separation from God’s perfect intentions. Every time we make choices that are not aligned with His will, we invite more evil and chaos into our existence. We must take the time to recognize how sin influences our choices and the outcomes of our actions.
Romans 5:12
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. – Romans 5:12
1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. – 1 John 1:8
Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. – Isaiah 59:2
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. – Proverbs 14:12
Ephesians 2:1-3
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. – Ephesians 2:1-3
The Role of Temptation
Temptation is an ongoing battle for all of us, and it often leads to the emergence of evil within our lives. We can be lured away from the goodness of God through seductive desires that promise fulfillment yet lead to emptiness and regret. The Bible teaches us that while temptation is not sin, giving in to it allows evil to flourish. Understanding this can empower us to stand firm against temptation and choose a path that brings us closer to God rather than further away.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:41
Luke 4:13
Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. – Luke 4:13
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. – Ephesians 6:11
Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. – Proverbs 1:10
The Presence of Suffering
Suffering is an unfortunate part of life, and it often seems intertwined with the existence of evil. We may wonder why God allows suffering, but we can hold onto the truth that He uses our pain to teach us, strengthen us, and draw us closer to Him. In our suffering, we can find hope and solace knowing that Jesus understands our struggles and walks alongside us. We are reminded that through trials, we find opportunities to build our character and faith.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 1:4
Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Corinthians 1:4
James 1:2-3
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. – James 1:2-3
John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. – Psalm 34:18
The Assurance of God’s Justice
Even as we face evil and its consequences, we can trust that God is just and will ultimately bring every wrongdoing to account. The assurance of His justice comforts us in times of turmoil, knowing that evil will not prevail in God’s perfect plan. We can find hope in the promise that God sees everything and will ensure that every act of injustice and evil is righted. This assurance cultivates our faith and encourages us to persevere, knowing that God is in control.
Psalms 9:7-8
But the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness. – Psalms 9:7-8
Romans 12:19
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. – Romans 12:19
Revelation 21:4
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. – Revelation 21:4
2 Thessalonians 1:6
Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you. – 2 Thessalonians 1:6
Isaiah 61:8
For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, and will make with them an everlasting covenant. – Isaiah 61:8
The Ultimate Triumph of Good
Finally, we must remember that good ultimately triumphs over evil. Despite the presence of evil in our world, God has an eternal plan that leads to victory. Through Christ, we have been given hope and assurance that evil will be defeated. We stand on the promise that there is light even in the darkest of times, and we can take heart in knowing that God is for us. As we seek the good and pursue righteousness, we become part of God’s plan for restoration and wholeness.
Revelation 20:10
The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. – Revelation 20:10
1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. – 1 John 5:4
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14
John 1:5
And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. – John 1:5
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Final Thoughts
As we have explored the many facets of why evil exists, it becomes clear that free will plays a crucial role in this reality. In our freedom, we can choose goodness or allow sin and temptation to take root in our hearts. Suffering is another element tied to evil, yet through our struggles, we grow closer to God and find comfort in His promises. Ultimately, we have the assurance of God’s justice and the promise of good prevailing over evil. Together, we can share this hope with others and choose to walk in the light.
Understanding these truths can empower us to stand firm in faith, even when faced with challenges. Let us remember the comforting messages in Scripture and encourage one another to embrace the goodness of God. I invite you to explore more topics that can deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith as a community, such as God’s Love or The Goodness of God.
We can take heart knowing that God is always with us, shining His light in the darkest times.