Have you ever asked or been asked the question, “Why is there so much evil in the world?” Or, have you been confronted by the person who wants you to defend your faith, all the while, claiming that if there truly were a “loving” God, humanity would not suffer as it does? I have also struggled to answer that question. But perhaps there is an answer, an answer that is very difficult to admit. An answer that is not so complicated and one in which you do not need to be God’s defense attorney.

Here’s what I propose: the answer to why there is so much evil is me…you…us. The problem is the heart of mankind since the fall (Genesis 3). But, let’s first think about what we’re actually asking. Are we arrogantly asking of God, “You know, since mankind is normally of such good character, why do You (God) allow so much evil?” It’s like we’re asking God whether or not the evil originates from Him, as if He’s the author or the creator. The far better question is, “Why didn’t God kill me yesterday for my sin and my disobedience to His word?”

Jeremiah said* that we didn’t listen, but rather followed the stubbornness of our own evil hearts. Isaiah said woe to those who call evil good and good evil, trying to be wise in their futile understanding. Jesus told us that out of our heart would come evil thoughts, murder, sexual immorality and other sins. He spoke these words, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:45, 46) There is no escaping it; you and I, along with each person asking the question, are to blame. What is being “stored up” in your heart today?

(*See Jeremiah 7:24; 16:12; Isaiah 5:18-20; Matthew 15:19; Genesis 6:5; II Timothy 3: 1-5)