Evil comes from the human heart
The Bible has a lot to say about people who hurt you. First of all, it teaches us that evil comes from the human heart. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus says, “For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, blasphemies.”
According to the Bible there are three types of evil:
Moral evil, natural evil and involuntary evil. Moral evil is that which is committed intentionally, such as murder or theft. Natural evil is evil that occurs without human intervention, such as natural disasters, and involuntary evil is evil that is committed without intention, such as an accident.
The Bible teaches us that God is just and that he will judge each person according to his works. The punishment for moral evil is eternal death, unless there is sincere repentance. Natural evil is a consequence of original sin and that God allowed it to occur as a result of the fall of man. Regarding non-voluntary evil, the Bible does not specifically talk about punishing it, but it teaches us that God is merciful and that he forgives those who repent of their sins.
The danger of judging others and not seeing one’s own sin
It is true that we often tend to see evil in others, but not in ourselves. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:3-5: “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you have the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
As Christians, we should be more concerned about not doing wrong and asking for forgiveness for what we have done, instead of judging others. In Romans 12:17-19, we are told, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil; Seek what is good before all men. If possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, my beloved, unless you leave room for the wrath of God; For it is written: Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
10 Key Biblical Verses about people who do harm
- “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” – Romans 12:17 (NIV)
- “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
- “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
- “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21 (NIV)
- “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31 (NIV)
- “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
- “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” – Psalm 37:8 (NIV)
- “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
- “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
- “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18 (NIV)
I am Leonardo A. González, I firmly believe that everyone deserves to know the beauty and wisdom found in the Bible, and I am committed to spreading that message of love and hope through my writings.