Call Evil by its Name

In today’s world, moral ambiguity often complicates peoples choices, making the line between right and wrong increasingly unclear. For believers, recognizing and confronting evil has become an essential message. The Bible provides profound wisdom on the importance of distinguishing between good and evil and courageously naming evil for what it is. Through studying the Scriptures, we gain an understanding of this vital responsibility in striving for a righteous life that aligns with godly principles, thereby deepening our relationship with our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is only calling evil by its right name that allows us to find any refuge in the word “good” and allows us to deal with evil in the way that God prescribed. As with any deception, calling evil by the wrong name starts a domino effect that pushes us away from the Gospel of Truth. The Bible provides clear guidance on identifying evil. One of the most striking passages is from Isaiah, where God pronounces a woe on those who blur the lines between good and evil.

Isaiah 5:20
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”

This verse highlights the moral confusion that arises when people fail to distinguish between right and wrong. The very act of naming evil is essential for the preservation of moral order; without it, society risks succumbing to the chaos of ambiguity.

Using politically correct terminology that employs exclusive language can obscure the truth of what God has declared. For instance, we refer to fornication as “sex before marriage,” adultery as “sex outside marriage,” prostitution as “sex trade,” and abortion as “freedom of choice” or “reproductive rights.” Our adversary, the devil, encourages this kind of language to twist the truth, leading people to believe that these actions are acceptable and good.  

Now is a crucial moment to accurately identify things for what they truly are. We should not confuse sin with righteousness or righteousness with sin. It is essential for every believer to be spiritually discerning and mindful of the influences that threaten the foundations of our faith.

A world that rebels against God tends to adopt a distorted viewpoint and adhere to an inverted sense of morality. Today, numerous individuals advocate for actions that the Bible explicitly identifies as sinful. Often, the acceptance of homosexuality and the defense of unrestricted abortion are paired with derision toward those who uphold the sanctity of life and champion traditional marriage. What is truly evil is being celebrated as “good,” while what is genuinely good is mocked as “evil.”

Without God, our values are bound to become distorted. We may start to blur the lines between sweetness and bitterness, light and darkness, as well as good and evil. Biblical virtues may be dismissed as “intolerant” and “oppressive.” We will likely be offended by the idea that Jesus is the sole path to salvation.

John 3:20
“Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”

2 Corinthians 4:4
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

In 2 Timothy Paul warns that the intensity of the spiritual battle will increase.

2 Timothy 3:1–5
“There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

Due to our fallen state, humans are unable to correctly discern right from wrong. Only God can provide clear answers regarding goodness and evil. The Bible, which is “God-breathed,” serves as the sole reliable source of guidance for humanity (2 Timothy 3:16).

The silence surrounding evil is a recurring theme in Scripture, leading to dire consequences. The failure to call evil by its name often results in deeper moral decay, as illustrated by the decline of Israel throughout the Old Testament. When leaders and prophets failed to address the pervasive injustice and idolatry in their midst, societal breakdown followed. In the book of Amos, God pronounces judgment through the prophet for the sins of Israel, calling out the leaders for their exploitation of the vulnerable (Amos 4:1). The cycle of sin and its ramifications serves as a stark reminder that neglecting the identification of evil leads to collective consequences.

Jesus’ examples are crucial in understanding how to confront evil by how he denounced the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.

Matthew 23:27-28
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”

Jesus’ rebuke emphasizes that merely appearing righteous is not enough; true righteousness requires acknowledging and addressing the internal corruption that sin represents. By calling out hypocrisy and moral failures, Jesus models how to confront evil honestly and directly, while boldly addresses the nature of evil.

John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.”

Jesus did not shy away from naming the source of evil — the Devil. This direct confrontation illustrates the importance of identifying the root of moral failings and falsehoods, demonstrating that clarity and truth are crucial in the battle against sin.

The New Testament also echoes this theme as Paul admonishes the believers.

Ephesians 5:11
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

This exhortation reveals that ignorance of evil is not an option for the faithful; silence can be complicit. What does it mean to “expose” evil? It involves a clear acknowledgment and expression of wrongdoing, both in individual behavior and in larger societal matters. By identifying evil, we empower ourselves to confront and dismantle it.

The Bible also highlights the role of personal conscience in recognizing and confronting evil.

Romans 2:15
“They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness.”

This verse suggests that God has endowed every person with an inner sense of right and wrong. Our conscience helps us discern evil and encourages us to call it out. When our conscience aligns with biblical doctrine, it reinforces our obedience to God and the truth of His Word.

Proverbs 4:27
“Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

This verse commands us not to compromise with evil. This guidance calls for unwavering adherence to God’s principles. Consider the people throughout scripture who stood firm in their convictions, directly confronting the evils of their times. Think of Nathan, the prophet who boldly approached King David to reveal his sin after the affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). Nathan’s courage serves as an example for us today, illustrating that confronting wrongdoings is a vital component of living a life reflective of God’s justice.

The biblical prophets often called out societal sins — such as idolatry, oppression, and exploitation.

Micah 6:8
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

This verse challenges us to not only recognize evil but actively pursue justice as a corrective measure. The prophet Micah instructs us in what God requires of His people – to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Acting justly includes recognizing and addressing injustice and wrongdoing. When evil goes unnamed and unchecked, it undermines the pursuit of justice and hinders the realization of God’s vision for a just and merciful society.

From a Christian perspective, contemporary cultural and political issues should be evaluated through the lens of biblical truth. Concerns about environmental regulations, police reform, and educational policies should be grounded in a commitment to biblical precepts on stewardship, justice, and moral values. As followers of Christ we should always advocate for policies that govern our land by biblical principles of strong law and order, upholding biblical views on gender, and opposing vehemently against any changes that may challenge these principles.

As followers of Christ, we must continually strive to influence our society by advocating for policies that reflect biblical truths, ensuring that our cultural and political discourse remains aligned with a moral compass derived from Scripture. This reflects not only our commitment to God’s commandments but also our desire to cultivate a society that honors Him and promotes the flourishing of all people under the divine order He has established. Thus, it is imperative that our engagement with these issues are rooted in a deep understanding of and adherence to biblical principles.

As we confront the complexities of our time, let us remember that the first step in combating evil lies in our willingness to call it by its name. Only then can we begin to dismantle the structures that allow it to thrive in the shadows. Let us strive forward, fortifying ourselves with the truth of scripture, emboldened by the love of Christ, and committed to calling evil what it is, so that we may shine the light of God’s grace in the darkest corners of this world.

In Christ’s love,