God told me today it is because we are bad He loves us, then He downloaded to me what He meant. It is because our nature is evil, we tend to go the ways of evil naturally. Yet, within each one of us lies the potential for good. Jesus told us in the Bible faith amazes Him, but I never realized until today when He told me that our desire to do good and overcome our love for evil also amazes Him.
Do you know the Biblical definition of evil? The tree of the knowledge of good and evil from Genesis 2:9, that word there, evil, is the Hebrew word ra‛ and in its simplest form it means “that which causes pain,” something that is of low quality which will eventually and surely bring a person injury and personal trouble, something that will spread emotional pain.
Much like Eve, we all fall for the lust of the eyes at some point on our lives, and it usually begins at a young age. If we know nothing else in life, we usually know what looks good to us before anything else is determined to be bad in our eyes. If it looks good, it must be pleasing then, right? That’s what most people think anyway.
At a very young age, sticking a pair of metal scissors into an electrical outlet looks amazingly good to most of us. After gaining some knowledge in life, however, we come to realize sticking a metal pair of scissors in an electrical outlet is a bad idea. That idea is a low quality idea that will cause us pain if acted upon. It is not just a bad idea, that idea is evil.
Just like when God warned Adam and Eve about not eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, He is still constantly warning us to not stick the scissors in the electrical outlet, but we do time and time again anyway. Why? Because is it in our human nature to want freedom to make our own decisions based on our own choices we determine are good for us. That is why we need a Savior, because we are constantly in need of redemption from the way we always mess things up on our own.
Christianity is all about redemption. The point of the Law was to show us how evil we are and for us to realize only something truly Good can obey God’s Law, and, as Jesus said, “No one is good but One, that is, God.” That is one of the reasons why God came down to earth in a human body He picked out for Himself, to follow the Law perfectly so He could be the final sacrificial Lamb, perfect and flawless, and without sin.
In His simplest definition, Jesus is God with a human personality. Jesus was not born from God. Jesus was always within God, and He was always God, He just simply stepped out of God to interact with us because we cannot interact with the Father directly in our human form, His Holiness would immediately kill us. God told Moses in Exodus 33:20, “You may not look directly at My face, for no one may see Me and live.” Anyway, the point is, only God cannot sin.
Like when God told Cain in Genesis 4:7, “And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.” Now, most people think God is just simply talking about sin in general, but God is saying something very specific here. God is referring to the sin offering as an atonement for when we mess up, when we do something evil. God is making a prophetic statement ultimately referring to Jesus, but God was using it in the now with Cain to tell him if he would just give in to God’s will and sacrifice a lamb like his brother Abel did, there would be an atonement for his sins.
Specifically, God is talking about the underlying condition of sin, self-government, where we think we know what is best for our self and we go on a lawless adventure only to return to God as His prodigal child anyway. That is why Jesus came to earth. He is the cure for sin. The exact word God used for sin here is ḥattā’th.
Why God’s Love Amazes Us Even in Our Struggle With Evil
When we hear that God’s love for us exists even in our brokenness, it can be hard to grasp. It’s humbling to realize that our natural inclination toward evil doesn’t separate us from Him—it draws His love even closer. Today, we were reminded that what amazes Jesus is our fight to rise above our sinfulness, striving toward good. Our faith and pursuit of righteousness touch His heart deeply, showing the unbreakable bond between His love and our desire to overcome darkness. To learn more about faith’s transformative power, you might explore The Indwelling Christ: Discover the Transformative Power of ….
Understanding Our Nature
Our nature is complex and, at times, contradictory. We often find ourselves pulled between a natural inclination toward evil and a desire for good. As Paul wrote in Romans 7:19, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” This struggle defines the human experience, yet it also reflects why Jesus is amazed by our faith as we strive to overcome darkness. Let’s explore this duality and understand how it shapes our journey in faith.
The Nature of Evil
Evil doesn’t always arrive dramatically; it often slips into our lives subtly, through daily thoughts, choices, and actions. We might feel resentment toward someone, speak harshly, or act selfishly—all these reflect how evil can manifest naturally within us. It’s as if it is woven into the very fabric of our humanity, an unseen force that pulls us astray from God’s will.
This inclination can feel overwhelming, but we are not without hope. Recognizing how evil operates encourages vigilant faith and intentional living. Consider how Genesis reminds us of the beginning when Eve was deceptively convinced into knowing good and evil. Understanding the roots helps us identify its presence today. For more, you can explore The Fullness of the Godhead Bodily for insights into how Jesus triumphed over such forces.
Biblical Insights on Human Nature
The Bible is transparent about our struggle with evil. Romans 7:18-20 echoes what we all feel: “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Paul’s words bring to light the conflict within our spirit—a yearning for righteousness clashing with the sin dwelling within us.
Yet, there’s good news. The Bible shows us that while our flesh may be weak, the Spirit provides strength. Galatians 5:17 reminds us, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” These passages remind us that God acknowledges our struggle and supplies a way to overcome it.
By anchoring ourselves in Scriptural truths, we equip ourselves to resist evil’s pull. Dive deeper into biblical context with Unlock the Power of the Holy Spirit, where the Spirit’s role in helping us triumph over our nature is explored.
In understanding our duality, we find clarity and purpose. This ongoing battle between good and evil is our opportunity to choose light, fueled by strength that comes from above. This choice amazes Jesus, reminding us that our struggles are not in vain—they are a testament to His transforming power.
God’s Love Despite Our Flaws
God’s love is unlike anything we’ve ever encountered. It doesn’t fade when we falter, and it doesn’t demand perfection. Even in our darkest moments, His love surrounds us, steadfast and pure. This unrelenting love reflects not only His character but His understanding of our flawed human nature. Let’s explore how His love persists even when we struggle with evil and discover how our faith can unlock new paths toward His grace.
God’s Perspective on Our Nature
From creation, God has seen the complexity of our hearts. He knows we often lean toward selfish desires, motivated by anger, envy, or pride. Yet, He doesn’t turn away from us or give up on us. Instead, He loves us more deeply because He understands our struggle from within. His love meets us exactly where we are—broken, imperfect, and battling the pull of evil.
Think of it this way: just as a parent’s love for their child grows stronger during moments of trial, God’s love doesn’t waver when we stray. Instead, He patiently waits for our return. It amazes Him when we, despite our sinful nature, desire to resist evil and clothe ourselves with goodness.
The Bible reminds us in Romans 5:8, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His immense love isn’t a reward for our righteousness; it’s a constant, unchanging truth designed to draw us closer. If we ever doubt God’s love in moments of failure, we encourage you to reflect on The Valley of Sorek: Lessons on Temptation, Faith, and God’s Power for insights on how God empowers flawed individuals for His glory.
Faith and God’s Love
Faith is the bridge that connects us to God’s love, even amid our imperfections. As we face the daily tug-of-war between good and evil, faith gives us the resolve to choose what reflects His heart. But it’s more than just believing in His existence—it’s trusting in His promises, His forgiveness, and His transformative power.
True faith starts small, like a mustard seed, but grows when fed with consistent prayer, trust, and action. Every time we choose to step away from evil and toward good, we exercise and strengthen this faith. It’s this act of faith that amazes Jesus—not because it makes us righteous, but because it shows our desire to overcome our flawed nature and align ourselves with His will.
Faith doesn’t erase our struggles, but it transforms how we see them. When we trust God’s plan, even our failures become opportunities for growth and reflection. To deepen this connection between faith and understanding God’s love, explore Revelation 3:7-8 Explained: Embrace God’s Open Door for revelations on how faith opens doors we may never expect.
Through faith, we are reminded that even though we battle with evil daily, we’re not alone. God’s unshakable love fuels our strength to fight and His Spirit equips us to win.
The Call to Overcome Evil with Good
When we think about the battle between good and evil, it’s more than just a concept—it’s our reality. Every day, we face choices that challenge our desires, test our intentions, and reveal our true character. And yet, it’s in our decision to resist evil and embrace goodness that we amaze Jesus. The struggle isn’t just noticed by God; it touches His heart. Let’s explore how we can respond to this call to overcome evil with good and reflect on what Jesus teaches us about our ability to choose righteousness.
Strategies for Overcoming Evil
Choosing good over evil doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality, focus, and a reliance on God’s strength. Here are strategies we can practice daily to make goodness a habit:
- Guard Your Mind: Thoughts are the seed of every action. Fill your mind with Scripture, prayer, and positive influences. As Philippians 4:8 says, focus on what is true, noble, and pure.
- Speak Life: Words have power. Refuse to let anger, gossip, or negativity take control of your tongue. Instead, choose words that uplift and encourage others.
- Seek Accountability: Surround yourselves with people who will hold you accountable in your walk with Christ. This community strengthens your ability to resist temptation. If you’re curious about how accountability helps, explore The Dangers of No Restraint: How Spiritual Accountability Leads to Transformation.
- Pray for Strength: Prayer is our direct line to God. When evil tempts us, a sincere prayer for help can shift our perspective and open the door to God’s guidance.
- Show Kindness, Even to Enemies: Jesus taught us to love our enemies, which is one of the hardest ways to overcome evil. Small acts of kindness can disarm negativity and reflect God’s grace.
Every time we make these deliberate choices, we take one step closer to being who God calls us to be. Our ability to resist evil and strive for righteousness plants seeds of transformation—both in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
Jesus’ Teachings on Goodness
Jesus didn’t just preach about goodness—He lived it. Through His words and actions, He showed us the divine potential each of us holds, even in our flawed nature.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called us to be the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13-16). This wasn’t an empty metaphor—it was a declaration of our purpose. As reflections of God’s goodness, we are meant to influence the world around us, countering evil with acts of love, compassion, and righteousness.
Jesus also modeled what it means to overcome evil with good. Look at how He treated those who hated Him—He forgave His accusers, healed the ear of the soldier arresting Him, and prayed for those who nailed Him to the cross. These actions show us that goodness isn’t about convenience; it’s about conviction.
Furthermore, Jesus emphasized that true goodness isn’t about external deeds alone—it starts in the heart. In Matthew 15:19, He taught that evil begins in a person’s heart before manifesting in actions. Therefore, when we focus on renewing our hearts through prayer, worship, and self-reflection, we give God the space to replace our inclination for evil with His love.
To gain deeper insight into how Biblical stories highlight our struggle and ability to overcome, read Lessons from The Valley of Sorek: Revival, Redemption, and Faith. It unpacks how even flawed individuals can rise to reflect God’s goodness.
Ultimately, Jesus’ teachings remind us that our decision to pursue goodness is not about being perfect but about being faithful. He believes in our ability to resist darkness and walk toward the light—and it’s this belief that gives us hope as we strive to reflect His love in a world that needs it desperately.
The Power of Faith
Faith is a force unlike any other—it transforms lives, empowers us to resist evil, and connects us to God’s heart. It’s not just belief; it’s the driving power that helps us overcome our sinful desires and choose goodness daily. Jesus Himself was amazed by acts of faith because they represent our desire to rise above our natural inclinations. Let’s explore how faith amazes God and how we can nurture it in our lives.
Faith that Amazes God
Throughout the Bible, we see moments where Jesus was moved and amazed by faith. One such example is the story of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. Despite being a Gentile, the centurion had such confidence in Jesus’ authority that he believed a single word from Him could heal his servant. Jesus was astonished by this faith and even remarked, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” This moment shows that faith is not about status or background—it’s about a heart fully trusting in Him.
Similarly, we can look at the faith of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment in Mark 5:25-34. Her belief that a simple act of reaching out could heal her is a powerful reminder of how faith can overcome fear and doubt. Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.”
Both examples reveal how faith amazes Jesus, especially in the presence of challenges. Like these individuals, when we battle evil tendencies and choose to trust God, we reflect a faith that inspires. If you’re curious to discover more examples of inspiring faith, visit Faith Heroes – The Holy Spirit for a deeper understanding.
Cultivating Faith in Our Lives
Faith doesn’t simply appear—it must be nurtured, protected, and practiced daily. Here are practical steps we can take to strengthen our faith:
- Build Consistent Prayer Habits: Faith grows when we stay connected to God. Dedicate time each day to share your heart and listen to His guidance. Prayer is where faith builds roots.
- Meditate on Scripture: The Bible is full of promises that strengthen and encourage the faithful. Verses like Hebrews 11:1 remind us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
- Surround Yourself with Believers: Community plays a vital role in boosting faith. Worship, share experiences, and learn together to stay inspired.
- Actively Resist Evil: Every time we resist the pull of sin, our faith grows. When temptation strikes, recite Scripture, pray, or seek guidance from trusted spiritual mentors. For inspiration, explore Spirit of Truth – The Holy Spirit for insights into how truth fuels a faith-filled life.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Recognize how God works, even in small moments. Each step in faith is progress, and He celebrates our growth.
Faith is like a muscle—it strengthens the more we use it. Through intentional action and trust in God’s promises, we can cultivate a faith that not only sustains us but also amazes the Creator Himself. Take time to reflect on how these practices can integrate into your journey, shaping a steady and powerful walk with Christ.
The Power in God’s Plan for Us
God’s love is unlike anything we know. It captivates and reassures, even in the face of our failures. His forgiveness doesn’t just erase sin; it nurtures growth and guides us toward goodness. By emphasizing the importance of faith and our ability to overcome evil, He gives us a path to follow, anchored by hope and purpose.
God Loves Us Despite Our Flaws
God doesn’t ask for perfection from us. His love extends beyond human understanding and pours into our lives when we feel least deserving. Have you thought about why He shows such grace to flawed individuals? It’s because He sees beyond our mistakes into our potential. Just as water refreshes parched land, His love revives the parts of our souls ravaged by sin. This love reminds us that despite walking through trials, we can reflect His glory. For a reflection on worship and sacrifice that parallels this love, visit Water from Bethlehem.
How Faith Brings Change
Faith is the tool God empowers us with. It’s how we resist the pull of evil and strive for righteousness. When we choose to believe, despite what the world says, our actions begin to align more with God’s Word. Faith isn’t something we only display during easy times. Faith becomes transformative when tested. How often do we rely on God in moments of uncertainty and emerge stronger from it?
We can think of faith as a quiet force. It’s often unnoticed but undeniably powerful. Everywhere in Scripture, faith transforms lives; it does the same for us today. Looking for ways to apply this in daily life? Consider the lessons outlined in The True Story of Thanksgiving: Faith, Gratitude, and Freedom. It highlights the resilience faith provides.
Overcoming Evil Daily
Evil lurks in subtle forms. It sneaks into our thoughts, our words, and each decision we make. Yet, by committing to God’s way, we find victory. Overcoming evil doesn’t require grand gestures. Instead, it’s about taking small, faithful steps that add up over time.
For example, it could be forgiving someone who hurt us, even when staying angry feels justified. Or maybe it’s speaking truth when it’s easier to remain silent. These moments, though small, are massive victories in our spiritual journeys. Realize the strength in faith-driven decisions to overcome challenges by reflecting on The True Story of Thanksgiving, which ties faith and grace to divine outcomes.
Every battle we win against evil, no matter how minor it seems, amazes Jesus. After all, our efforts to do good, even in a world resistant to it, show how much we treasure His love and aspire to follow His example. It’s these acts, driven by faith, that bring us closer to Him.
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