Evil...

Evil

I don't understand Evil. Now, before you say I have lived a charmed life, hold on. I have referenced being in foster care and a home life that contained many kinds of evil. I have seen it, recognize it, but yet, I don't understand it. I can't fathom why people perpetrate acts of evil. As a Pollyanna, I see good in people. I see what they can do. I choose to see that. Yesterday, and every time something happens in our world, I have the same reaction. Watching the news, seeing the events, the fear, and information about the attackers, and hearing the details, I feel sadness. I don't know why, but, I have the same reaction every time. I just don't understand.

There are many verses in the Bible about evil. How God sees and feels about evil. Proverbs 6:16-19 states "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." In this verse, we can see what happened yesterday. We see hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devised those wicked plans, and feet that made haste to run to that evil. But, and I say but here as someone who chooses to see the good. Romans 12:21 says "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

I can't begin to understand what the families of all those victims from yesterday are feeling. But I do cling to the knowledge of Romans 12:19, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" You see, I have clung to this scripture so many times and I have chosen to forgive and see the good that God always works through every situation. Before you say I have never had a loved one taken from me by evil, again, hold on.

There will be many who won't understand this blog. Who will think that once again these are platitudes that don't take away the hurt and devastation that was committed by this evil! To that, I mean no disrespect, or hurt, and do not intend to make less of this evil. I just know, in my life, I will hold to Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." I pray for all those involved and affected by yesterday's events that you are held by God's love. I pray you know you are His and your heart will be comforted. That you always remember, that God loves you.