Jesus on the existence of evil
Jesus recognizes the existence of good as well as evil. For "God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Mt 5.45 NIV)
The good person therefore must continually seek the good, and with prayer and good deed, shall overcome evil.
Jesus was a first century prophet preaching the end time, and he had no time to convert evil people but to enjoin good people to keep doing good.
"The good man brings good things out of evil stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." (Mt 12.35-36)
Evil exists because there are cruel persons who harbor evil and inflict pain on their fellow humans. Endowed with free will, they choose evil and twist reason to gain power or wealth over others.
Even in the face of overwhelming evil, we must not lose hope, for the arc of history bend toward justice. "I have overcome the world," says Jesus.
God manifests himself thru man, not thru miracles or hosts of angels. So a righteous and God-fearing person must turn from evil and do good. She must seek peace and pursue it. (Ps 34.14)
We decent loving people everywhere will have nothing to do with evil. We shall avoid every kind of evil. And hold on to the good. (Ps 101.4, 1Th 5.22) ***
