BoldBelief Devotional

Goodness Corrupted: Understanding Evil in God’s Design

Add comment2 days ago3 min readby Paul Natekin

#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin

Key Bible Verse:

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” — Genesis 1:31 (NKJV)

Ever wondered how a world designed by a good God can have so much evil? It’s a tough question that many of us grapple with, especially when facing hardships. Let’s explore this together and find hope in God’s ultimate plan.

Apologetic Insight:

(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.

As J. Warner Wallace points out, “Evil is a corruption of something good that already exists.” This perspective helps us understand that evil isn’t a creation of God but a distortion of His good design. Genesis 1:31 tells us that God’s original creation was “very good,” but sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3). This act of free will corrupted the perfect world God had made.

William Lane Craig adds that “God’s goodness and omnipotence do not preclude the existence of evil but rather point to a future where evil will be defeated.” Revelation 21:1-4 promises us a future where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. This assurance reminds us that God’s story isn’t over yet; He will ultimately triumph over evil.

Encouragement & Application:

Remember, the presence of evil doesn’t negate God’s goodness. Instead, it highlights the need for His redemptive work in our lives. Take time to reflect on God’s promises and trust that He is working all things for good (Romans 8:28). Engage with others in your faith community to discuss these truths and find encouragement in collective hope.

Reflection Questions:

How does understanding evil as a corruption of good change your perspective on suffering?
What steps can you take to trust in God’s plan to defeat evil, even when it seems overwhelming?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating a world that was originally very good. Help us to see the hope in Your promise to defeat evil and restore all things. Give us the strength to trust in Your plan, even amidst the pain and suffering we see today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.