Why do people hurt others without reason?

The problem of evil, particularly why people hurt others without reason, is one of the most profound and challenging questions in theology and philosophy. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I approach this question with a deep sense of humility, recognizing that while we can provide insights based on Scripture and Christian thought, the full understanding of evil and human suffering is ultimately a mystery known fully only to God.

From a biblical perspective, the root of why people hurt others without reason can be traced back to the nature of sin and the fall of humanity. In the beginning, God created a world that was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). However, with the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world (Genesis 3). This original sin brought about a fundamental brokenness in human nature and in the world at large. As Paul writes in Romans 5:12, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."

Sin is not just an action but a condition that affects every aspect of human life. It distorts our desires, our relationships, and our understanding of what is good. Jeremiah 17:9 poignantly describes the human heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This deceitfulness of the heart can lead people to act in ways that are harmful to others, even without apparent reason.

Moreover, the Bible speaks of the reality of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." There are forces of evil that seek to influence human behavior and lead people away from God's will. These spiritual forces can exacerbate the brokenness in human nature, leading to acts of senseless harm and violence.

However, while acknowledging the pervasive influence of sin and evil, it is also important to affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Every person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and this image, though marred by sin, remains a fundamental aspect of our identity. The capacity for great good, love, and compassion also resides within each person. The tension between our created goodness and our fallen nature is a central theme in Christian anthropology.

In trying to understand why people hurt others without reason, we must also consider the role of free will. God has given humans the freedom to choose their actions. This freedom is essential for genuine love and moral responsibility, but it also allows for the possibility of choosing evil. C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Problem of Pain," explains, "Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature and the existence of free-wills involve, and you find that you have excluded life itself." The misuse of free will can lead to actions that cause harm to others.

Yet, the existence of free will and the presence of sin do not mean that God is indifferent to human suffering. The Bible reveals a God who is deeply compassionate and who enters into our suffering. In the person of Jesus Christ, God took on human flesh and experienced the full range of human suffering and evil. Isaiah 53:3 describes the Messiah as "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Jesus' crucifixion is the ultimate demonstration of God's solidarity with those who suffer unjustly. On the cross, Jesus bore the weight of all human sin and evil, offering redemption and hope.

Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus is a powerful testament to God's victory over evil. While evil and suffering are real and present in the world, they do not have the final word. Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of the ultimate hope: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This eschatological promise assures us that God is working towards a future where evil and suffering will be no more.

In the meantime, Christians are called to be agents of God's love and justice in the world. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). When we encounter acts of senseless harm, we are to respond with compassion, seeking to alleviate suffering and to promote healing and reconciliation.

The question of why people hurt others without reason also invites us to reflect on our own hearts and actions. Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:3-5, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." This teaching challenges us to examine our own lives, repent of our own sins, and seek to live in a way that reflects God's love and righteousness.

Additionally, the community of faith plays a crucial role in addressing the problem of evil. The church is called to be a place of refuge and healing, where people can find support and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." In the context of a loving and supportive community, individuals can find the strength to overcome the influences of sin and evil.

In summary, the question of why people hurt others without reason is deeply complex and multifaceted. It involves the realities of sin, free will, spiritual warfare, and the brokenness of the human condition. Yet, it also invites us to remember the inherent dignity of every person, the redemptive work of Christ, and the hope of a future where evil will be no more. As Christians, we are called to respond to this problem with compassion, justice, self-reflection, and a commitment to living out the love of God in our relationships and communities.