The death of an evil person can bring up a mix of emotions for Christians. On one hand, we may feel a sense of relief or justice. But on the other, we are called to have compassion and forgive others. The Bible offers guidance on how believers should respond in these situations.
1. Do not rejoice over their death
Proverbs 24:17 warns us not to gloat when our enemies fall: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.” While an evil person’s death may seem justified, we should not celebrate it. God wants us to value all human life, even of those who commit horrific acts (Genesis 1:27).
The appropriate response is solemnity, not jubilation. We can be thankful for justice, but rejoicing shows a lack of mercy. As Christians, we must balance justice and compassion (Psalm 85:10).
2. Consider your own sinfulness
Those who have done evil are still made in God’s image (James 3:9). When reacting to their death, we must remember our own sin nature (Romans 3:23). We too deserve death, and are only saved by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Viewing ourselves as better can lead to self-righteous pride.
Instead of condemnation, we can respond in humility. None of us are righteous enough to earn salvation on our own. We should feel somber about anyone dying without Christ.
3. Forgive and let go of bitterness
Holding onto resentment over harm caused by evil people only hurts us. God calls us to forgive others to experience freedom (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is not saying what they did is okay. It’s entrusting justice to God, and letting go of anger.
Praying for our enemies helps soften our hearts (Luke 6:27-28). We can ask God to grant them mercy, just as He has for us. Forgiveness may take time, but is necessary for healing.
4. Pray for their loved ones
Despite someone’s evil actions, they likely still have family who are grieving. We should avoid judgment and show them compassion during this difficult time. Jesus calls us to love everyone, even our enemies (Luke 6:27-36).
Pray for those mourning the death of someone evil. Ask God to comfort them in their grief. Consider reaching out with words of empathy or condolence. Show them the love of Christ, regardless of what their loved one did.
5. Trust God’s justice and timing
As Christians, we can have confidence that God will ultimately bring perfect justice (Revelation 19:1-2). No evil deed will go unpunished or hidden forever. But the timing and method are up to Him.
Rather than obsessing over wanting to see justice now, we can release it to God. He promises that vengeance belongs to Him alone, not us (Deuteronomy 32:35). We simply pray for His will to be done and keep sharing the gospel.
6. Focus on the love of Christ
When facing death, especially of enemies, our main focus should be sharing God’s redeeming love. Evil actions should not prevent us from reflecting Christ to others (1 John 4:7-12). Let the loss be a reminder of the urgency of salvation.
Ask God to soften even your enemy’s hearts with His love. Make time to minister to and pray for those who are far from God. Set aside differences to share His grace and redemption.
7. Minister to those affected by evil acts
Consider those who have suffered under evil regimes or acts. Reach out to the families of victims and those oppressed. Help meet their practical needs and emotional burdens during this time.
While avoiding self-righteousness, have compassion for those hurt by evil actions. Let the loss remind you of those who need support and care. Allow it to spur you to greater acts of service and comfort to others.
8. Reflect Christ’s character
As believers, our lives should reflect the character of Jesus. When He was mocked, beaten and killed, He responded with grace and forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Follow Christ’s model by loving our enemies and blessing those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
Ask God to help you show extraordinary mercy and grace when facing the death of enemies. Pray for strength to respond as Jesus would – with compassion that defies human understanding.
9. Preach the hope of the gospel
The death of the wicked is tragic, as it seals their eternity without Christ. In response, we should urgently share the hope of the gospel with even more people. Their loss can propel us to spread God’s truth and love to all who will listen.
Our mission as Christians is to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). When facing death, double down on efforts to reach people for salvation. Let it awaken in you a burden to see more come to repentance.
10. Look forward to Christ’s return
The death of evil people reminds us that injustice still reigns in our fallen world. But we can look forward to the day when God will completely restore and redeem creation (Revelation 21:1-5). Jesus’ return will put a final end to evil, sin and death forever.
The righteous will rejoice when He comes to judge evil and renew all things. Until then, we can cling to this hope. Trust that God will have the final word and victory over evil.
The death of wicked people presents challenges to our faith. It stirs up complex emotions and questions about justice. But God gives us His Word to guide our responses. When evil falls, may we rejoice not in their death but in the everlasting gospel. May we live and speak the truth in love, so that more might know redemption before it’s too late.