Confronting Evil 

   “A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach tolerance, correcting opponents with kindness.” (2 Timothy 2: 24 – 25) 

   I often write that we, as Christians, should be ready to confront evil and so we should.  But that brings up the question of how we are to confront it.  The mere word “confrontation” often suggests heated exchanges, arguments, and even fights.  None of these will win souls but will only push them further away.

   Most of us don’t have the training or education to confront evil in everyday life.  We are not theologians and most of us aren’t all that well-versed in scripture.  Trying to defend our faith only to be unable to answer the question of why we believe is worse than not engaging in the first place.  It will only increase the belief many have that Christians don’t have a clue as to what or why they believe; that it’s all superstition and hypocrisy.

   Given all that, how are we to confront evil?  In my opinion we can best do so by the way we live.  By showing kindness and love even to those who hate us for our faith; by wearing our crosses and religious medals openly, by saying grace before meals even in restaurants, by refusing to be a part of lewd conversations or rumors; by politely and gently answering the questions these actions may raise.  These are all opportunities to evangelize in the face of evil.

   Above all we can confront evil through our prayers.  We pray for our friends, our families and for ourselves.  We need to also add a prayer for all those who reject God and live a life of sin and debauchery.  If only one soul is saved through our prayers there will be rejoicing in heaven.