“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21)

As I write this post today, it’s only been a few days since Charlie Kirk was assassinated at an event where he was speaking to college students. I’m still processing this evil act, praying for the young man who committed it, and continuing to pray fervently for Charlie’s wife Erika and their two little children.

It’s hard to make sense out of evil

What shocked me was how many people on the internet immediately posted that they were glad he had been murdered. I had expected people on every side of the political spectrum to at least agree that the murder of anyone is wrong. But this was not the case. I shouldn’t have been surprised, because evil does exist. The Bible gives us examples: those who stoned Stephen, those who nearly killed the apostle Paul, and the crowd who shouted “Crucify Him!” as Jesus was led to the cross.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

God Can Use Evil for Good

Even though this evil act occurred, God is still bringing good out of it. Many are hearing the gospel preached and responding in faith, and Charlie’s organization, Turning Point USA, is experiencing explosive growth. According to Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet, the organization “has received over 32,000 inquiries in the 48-hours since his death to start new campus chapters.” To put that in perspective, they currently have 3,500 total.

The Bible Reminds Us

What others intend for evil, God can turn into good. Joseph told his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.” (Gen. 50:20) And Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Therefore

Evil is real and heartbreaking, but it does not have the final word. God is sovereign, and He can bring light, growth, and salvation out of the darkest of circumstances. Our call is not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good—trusting Him to bring ultimate good out of even the worst situations.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

Rom. 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people

In Victor Hugo’s classic masterpiece, Les Misérables, he tells the story of a man named Jean Valjean, who was imprisoned for 19 years because he stole a loaf of bread. Once he is released he cannot find anywhere to work or stay because he is an ex-convict. He finally finds a compassionate bishop who takes him in, but he repays the man’s kindness by stealing his silverware and slipping away in the night.

The police arrest Valjean and bring him back to the bishop to be charged, but in a stunning display of mercy, the bishop tells the guards that the silverware was a gift and demands that they release him. He challenges Valjean to take the silver and use it to become an honest man—a moment that powerfully transforms his life. 

It is easy for us to forget just how powerful and redemptive mercy can be. It is also easy for us to forget that none of us were actually deserving of mercy. The bishop had no way of knowing that Valjean would actually keep his promise and become a better man. In the same way, Jesus had no guarantee that we would all receive His sacrifice on the cross, but He did it anyway, making our redemption possible.

Therefore 

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6:10)

Quote

“Goodness is the only investment that never fails.” -  Henry David Thoreau