Introduction

This past week, I’ve still been struggling on and off with the blatant displays of evil in our society. Sometimes it feels like darkness is everywhere. But at the same time, I’ve also been encouraged to see glimpses of light: people going to church for the first time in years—or ever—people buying their first Bible, people beginning to search for hope in more appropriate places.

Trying to Overcome Darkness with Darkness

As I was reflecting on this obvious struggle between darkness and the Light, it struck me that you cannot overcome darkness with more darkness. That only makes the darkness darker.

Righteous anger may feel justified in the moment, but it can play right into the enemy’s strategy. Instead of shining light into the darkness, we end up covering our own light. And when that happens, all it does is confirm the negative opinions that people living in darkness already hold about followers of Christ.

Scripture reminds us of this battle. Paul wrote:

Darkness and Light

We often think the enemy is people—those who oppose us or even just those who disagree with us or those who lurk in the shadows promoting evil—but the Bible says otherwise. The real battle is spiritual, and it cannot be won with hatred, bitterness, or retaliation.

Jesus also spoke directly about darkness and light:

And later, He told His followers:

If we belong to Him, we carry that same light. Our calling is not to curse the darkness but to shine His light into it.

So How Do We Do That?

How do we overcome darkness? Here are some ideas from Jesus and Paul.

By choosing forgiveness instead of revenge.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
—Colossians 3:13

By speaking words of truth wrapped in love.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
—Ephesians 4:15

By serving others—even those who oppose us.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
—Matthew 5:44

By putting on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
—Ephesians 6:13

By letting our light shine through good works.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:16

By overcoming evil with good.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
—Romans 12:21

Conclusion

The only way to drive out darkness is with light. This is true in the physical world, and it’s especially true in the spiritual world. Always.

Is this going to be easy? Of course not.

Is Jesus standing by, waiting for us to ask for His help to make the impossible our reality? Always.

So my prayer for myself—and for you—is that we would resist the urge to fight darkness with more darkness. That instead, we would shine the light of Christ all the brighter. Because His is the only light that can never be overcome.

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