Confronting Evil

Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.” 1 Samuel 26:21

I often write about how, as Christians, we are to love those around us without judging or condemning them. I write this often enough that one may get the impression that I don’t think we are to ever stand for truth or call out evil. Today’s blog then, is hopefully the entry that corrects that misconception. Sometimes, it’s our duty to confront the evil and self-destructive behavior around us.

This, however, is unfortunately easy to get wrong. Just peruse any online news outlet where readers can comment, and you’ll see a myriad of responses harshly criticizing everything and everyone. Those who comment usually see it as their job to call out the stupidity of others, not realizing how self-righteous and hypocritical they’re being. Christians are prone to this behavior. Seeing ourselves as keepers of the sacred truth, we often enjoy condemning the world around us. I realize that even as I write this, I’m being a little self-righteous myself. Confronting evil may sometimes be our responsibility, but it’s difficult to get right.

In today’s passage, David modeled what I think is a healthy example of confrontation. In the story, as King Saul continued his efforts to kill David, David called out Saul’s evil behavior. Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands (1 Samuel 26:18)? When Saul’s transgression was dragged into the light, he saw it and was ashamed. I have sinned.

Though it’s not necessarily a how-to guide, I can learn a few things from David’s confrontation. First, David took great care to behave rightly himself. He had opportunities to kill Saul, but he abstained. It’s hypocritical to confront a behavior in others when I’m guilty of the same behavior. Second, David confronted someone with whom he had a relationship. If all people know of me is that I’m critical of them, they have little reason to listen. Third, David let Saul know how his actions affected him. This is a powerful message that will touch most people – You’re hurting me. Fourth, David didn’t indulge in anger, lashing out emotionally at Saul. When driven by anger, I rarely act rightly. And finally, David appealed to the faith which he and Saul had in common. If I’m addressing a behavior that someone doesn’t believe is wrong, then my efforts will simply create more distance between me and them.

There are times when we must confront bad behavior in others. Because it’s terribly difficult to get right though, we must take great care to avoid bad behavior ourselves. When we see a friend or a family member hurting themselves or us, it may be our responsibility to intervene. When in this situation, we must go to God, asking him how to proceed, and then we must do our best to follow his will.