Evil On New Years Day 2025: Turning to the Bible for Answers

Human Nature or Demonic Influence?

Humans are uniquely intelligent, creative, and capable of great achievements. Yet the Bible reveals that humanity’s sinful nature is deeply flawed.

God declares in Genesis 8:21,

“The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.”

This evil shows up in many ways, including selfish desires and temptations. James 1:14 reminds us,

“Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”

So, we know that lust and sin are part of our fallen human nature.

However, extreme violence—defined as actions intended to cause severe harm or death to others with little or no regard for their humanity—reveals something far darker.

When acts of cruelty and destruction disrupt one of the most joyful and optimistic days of the year, we are reminded of the depths of human depravity. And the Bible shows us, clearly, that some acts of violence are driven by demonic influence.

Jesus Encounters Two Violent Demon-Possessed Men

In Matthew 8:28-34, Jesus encountered two men possessed by demons who lived among the tombs. They were so fierce that no one could pass by that way. Their extreme violence was not just human wickedness—it was caused by the demons controlling them.

When Jesus cast the demons into a herd of pigs, the animals immediately rushed into the sea and drowned. This account demonstrates how demonic influence can amplify human [and animal] behavior to horrifying extremes.

The Bible warns us that this kind of evil reflects a deeper spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 states,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

What Can We Do?

In light of recent violent tragedies, we must turn to prayer. Here is what we can do:

1) Pray for the grieving families of the victims.

• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

2) Pray for our leaders, from local officials to the president.

• Romans 13:1-7 calls Christians to submit to governing authorities, recognizing them as God’s servants to uphold order, and encourages us to pray for our government leaders as we respect and support their role in promoting good and restraining evil.

3) Pray for first responders and law enforcement who bear the heavy burden of responding to these events.

• The same God who showed love and mercy to the Roman officer Cornelius in Acts 10 is the same God of love and mercy for officers today.

• Also, like Cornelius, many officers today are God-fearing and striving to make their way in the world just like us.

• We should never allow bad characters or, in some cases, a corrupt system to cause us to forget that we all need God’s love and mercy.

  
  

4) Pray for the life changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to bring salvation, healing, and peace.

• Just as Jesus healed the violent men in the tombs, He can heal the darkness anyone in today.

Followers of Jesus experience trials like everyone else, but we do not respond like everyone else because we know ultimately who is in control. Let us be agents of Christ’s love, sharing the gospel that brings life and hope to a broken world.

In the face of unimaginable violence, may we continue to shine the light of Jesus Christ, who offers redemption and peace to all who turn to Him.

May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.