What Is Evil and How Do Christians Respond?

James Brown

Hey everyone, welcome back to Shutter the Dark Shorts. I’m James and I’m sitting here with Sunshine. Today, we’re taking on a tough topic—evil. I know, not the cheeriest way to spend your commute, but honestly, it’s all over our headlines these days, isn’t it?

Sunshine

Definitely. You know, I scroll through my phone in the morning and it’s a flood of bad news—wars, violence, attacks on churches, even cruel things right in our own communities. Sometimes it feels like the evil in the world is escalating, getting louder by the day.

James Brown

Yeah. I mean, it’s funny, because I remember as a kid, the worst thing you’d hear on the news was maybe a bank robbery or somebody taking a pumpkin off someone's porch. But now, we know about every crisis the instant it happens. Technology, for all its gifts, sorta cranks the volume up on all the darkness out there.

Sunshine

And the thing is, we’re not actually seeing more violence or evil than before—not if you look at the statistics historically. But modern communication...it amplifies it so much, it feels like evil’s just, I don’t know, choking out the good some days. It’s not just “bad stuff happens,” it’s “bad stuff happens and you can’t escape seeing it, all the time.”

James Brown

Right. Spurgeon, Charles Spurgeon—the “prince of preachers”—he had a lot to say about that, even in the old days. He talked about fighting evil, but not with what he called the “unlawful weapon.” It’s natural, animal even, to want to hit back, do evil for evil. That’s the difference between what’s “natural” and what’s, well, spiritual.

Sunshine

Yeah, I love that distinction Spurgeon made. He said if you meet evil with evil, you’re just acting in your beast-nature—it’s basically like a cornered animal lashing out. But to overcome evil with good? That’s God-like. That’s the high calling. But before we get ahead to the “how,” maybe we should pull the brakes and ask—why do we actually think evil’s greater now?

James Brown

Good question. Is it really more evil, or is it just we can’t get away from knowing about it? I mean, if you go looking for darkness, you’ll find it, but in Christ, we’re called to keep our eyes fixed on the light. I guess the challenge is—how do we live with that tension, knowing evil is still out there, and not let it take over our hope?

Sunshine

That brings us right to what the Bible actually says. Romans 12:21—this is really the anchor for our whole episode: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” That’s a command, not a suggestion, right?

James Brown

Absolutely. And paired with Ephesians 6:12, which says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places.” I always mix up the wording, but that verse—it’s powerful. It tells us the real fight isn’t people. It’s spiritual. That was a big eye-opener for me as a young guy, sick and struggling. Evil wasn’t just what I saw; it was what lurked behind it.

Sunshine

Attacks on churches, violence against believers…it hurts so much because it isn’t just vandalism or criminal acts. There’s something spiritual behind it—a direct shot at Christ’s body. I struggle with it too. There are times I read about these horrible things and I want justice. It’s so tempting to want retaliation, but our verses tell us to respond with good. Not just avoiding evil. We actually have to step out and demonstrate goodness back. That’s the hard part.

James Brown

Yeah, let me tell ya—a few years back, we had a break-in at our church bus lot. I’d just finished a long shift and then, bang, someone decides to smash windows, rip out wires, spray paint all over. I’m not proud, but my first thought wasn't exactly holy. I wanted to find ‘em and, well, give ‘em a piece of my mind. Maybe more than that, honestly. But then, I heard God’s whisper: “Retaliate with My love.” That was humbling. Forgiveness isn't easy. Not when it’s right at your doorstep, and you see the cost up close.

Sunshine

That’s so real. I mean, you experienced what Spurgeon talked about—the necessity of the conflict. Evil won’t just sit quietly, hoping you go away. We have to face it, knowing the only “weapon” we’re allowed to use is goodness, even—especially—when it feels impossible. The world tells us, “get even.” Christ tells us, “be more than a conqueror.”

James Brown

Exactly. You’re either overcoming evil, or it’s overcoming you. It’s not a neutral game. I think believers need to keep reminding themselves—it’s not about winning an argument or getting the last word. It’s about faithfulness, even when the cost is personal.

Sunshine

And that’s where I think Spurgeon is super helpful. He just says it: “Good for evil is God-like; evil for evil is beast-like.” That hits hard, right? I mean, sometimes it’s so easy to forget and justify our reaction. But I try to remind myself of his other line, “You are a great sinner, but he is a greater Saviour.” If Jesus can forgive the very people who nailed Him to the cross, then, oof, what’s my excuse in everyday stuff?

James Brown

Yeah, “good for evil is God-like.” I gotta tell ya, living that out? It’s a challenge. But Spurgeon also makes it sound possible—like, this isn’t just a lofty idea for perfect people. It’s for ordinary folks who mess up every day and still want to do better, wanna look like Jesus, even in the smallest ways.

Sunshine

You know, that reminds me—a few months back I had this coworker, just, always negative. I mean, always. Everything was a battle, every email, every conversation. My first, not-so-holy urge was to avoid them, maybe toss in a little sarcasm. But instead, I started looking for tiny ways to respond with... well, kindness. I kept it simple: bringing an extra coffee, complimenting their work, praying for them instead of ranting about them after a hard day. At first, honestly, things didn’t change. But over time, they softened. Not completely, but enough that now they actually smile most mornings. That’s not me—that’s God’s method, the “overcome evil with good” thing in action.

James Brown

That’s practical, right there. Forgiveness, prayer, and showing good instead of feeding the cycle. You know, Spurgeon said, “You must fight, and in the battle you must either conquer or be conquered.” But the only weapon that really works, in the end, is God’s love, worked out daily. So, church, wherever you’re at—on the receiving end of evil, or just struggling through a tough workplace or family dynamic—don’t underestimate the small acts. Pray. Forgive. Overcome with good, even when nobody’s watching.

Sunshine

And remember, “no sin shall ruin any man if he comes to Christ for mercy.” There’s hope even in the thickest darkness. All right, James, any last thoughts before we sign off?

James Brown

Just this—don’t give up. Even when the world feels upside down, God’s way is always worth it. Let’s keep choosing good over evil—together. Sunshine, it’s always a joy. And to everyone listening, keep your eyes on the Light, and we’ll see you soon on another Shutter the Dark Short.

Sunshine

See y’all next time. Stay encouraged, and don’t forget—overcome evil with good. Bye, James!

James Brown

Bye, Sunshine. Blessings, everyone.