Recognizing Evil

(Continued  from previous post)

“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20 NLT)

Evil is difficult to explain. It’s like trying to express how a durian fruit smells. Its noxious odor is hard to describe in words. Some people have heightened olfactory senses and can smell a durian from a distance, especially if they are familiar with this fruit. Similarly, those who have the gift of spiritual discernment are better equipped to sense the presence of evil.

A few possible signs of evil:

--deception

--manipulation

--disguise of self  

--enjoyment in the pain of others

--actively ignoring truth

--degeneration, destruction

--words incongruent with behavior

Watch out for recurring patterns. If you notice a person or group that displays these characteristics in multiple areas--in the way they relate to their spouse, children, and other close friends, in their work, finances, civic duties, and social settings--don’t ignore this data. Evil will  misrepresent itself as good, creating confusion. Be alert and careful.

“Give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil.” (1 Kings 3:9 NAS)

(continued...)