Bishop Robert Barron teaches that evil is the negation of all good. He says there is no pure evil in humanity because all that God has made is good. The evil cannot take the inherent good from the person. There may be evil but it is never complete. The negation of good usually comes from experiences of pain, or some type of loss. To witness evil is quite intrusive and disturbing. If you have ever witnessed the good fade from someone and in it’s place seen only empty, hollow, hate it is disconcerting. If you have ever witnessed it pointed completely in your direction it is somewhat paralyzing.
So, what can negate the evil, hatred, and anger nothing but the return of good. One cannot fight anger with anger, it only escalates and inspires more pain. Witnessing the anger and emotional tirade of someone in pain is a horrible reality. One’s reaction, if good is the goal, must be expressionless, as not to feed the anger. When the emotional irrationality slows down and breaths are taken then the good can start to return. Ministering to a person that hates and persecutes, and accosts one with words of violence, lies, and dishonor is disheartening. The only thing worse would be to believe any of the hate being spewed. The Christian response is mercy, not holding a grudge, trying to become empathetic and praying for the person grasping evil because the person cannot find the good.
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:32-33
As Christians we must see that behind the anger, hate, and pain there is good. To follow Jesus Christ completely we must continuously seek the good even when experiencing persecution. Today, think of those who have hurt you and try to find a way to see the good.
