Family Devotion:
Why is there Evil and What should Christians do about it?

1. The Beginning of Evil – Sin Enters the World

Scripture: Genesis 3:1–7, 14–19

Evil and suffering entered the world through humanity’s choice to disobey God.
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the perfect functional world He made was broken. Sin didn’t just affect them, it touched the whole world, bringing pain, sadness, and death.
Family Reflection Question: What are some ways we see sin and evil in our world today?

Scripture: Genesis 3:17; Romans 5:12; Romans 8:20–22

Sin causes all of creation to groan, longing for God’s restoration.
Not only do people struggle with sin, but even the earth feels the impact. Natural disasters, sickness, and decay remind us that sin caused dysfunction to come back into the world.
Family Reflection Question: Can you think of times when the world felt ‘broken’, like when we hear about disasters or hurt in our community?

Scripture: John 3:16-17; Colossians 2:13–15

Jesus took the punishment for sin and defeated death and evil at the cross.
God did not leave us in our brokenness. He sent Jesus, who died and rose again to break the power of sin and death. Evil does not have the final word, Jesus does.
Family Reflection Question: Why is it good news that Jesus has already defeated sin and death?
How does that change the way we live our lives right now?

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17–20

We are new creations in Christ and ambassadors of reconciliation.
Because Jesus has overcome evil, we now live as His representatives in the world. Our mission is to share His love, forgiveness, and hope with others.
Family Reflection Question: How can we show Jesus’ love when we see evil or wrong things happening?

Scripture: Micah 6:8; Proverbs 31:8–9, 1 Peter 3:15

God calls His people not only to avoid evil, but also to act justly, love mercy, and speak up for those who cannot defend themselves.
When we see evil being done, lies being told, or vulnerable people being taken advantage of, God doesn’t want us to stay silent. Part of following Jesus is standing up for what is right, showing mercy, and helping those in need.
Family Reflection Question: When have you seen someone stand up for what’s right? How can we, as a family, speak up for others and speak up for the truth of the Bible? How can we do this with mercy and gentleness?

Scripture: Romans 12:17–21

Christians respond to evil not with revenge but with goodness and love.
Even when others hurt us or we see wrong happening, God calls us to respond differently. We don’t fight evil with more evil, we fight evil by serving God, because that’s what Jesus did.
Family Reflection Question: What is one good thing we can do this week to bring God’s light into a dark place?

Encouragement: Evil is real, but God’s love is greater. Because Jesus has won the victory, we can live with hope and courage. As a family, we get to join God in bringing his Kingdom to the earth.

Prayer: Pray together asking God to give your family strength to live as His ambassadors, to shine light in dark places, and to trust Jesus’ victory over sin and death.