A Reflection on Why We Fight, the Nature of Evil, and the Battle Within
Throughout history, the story of humanity has been marked by endless conflict—wars, battles, and divisions stretching as far back as we can remember. But why does fighting seem so deeply woven into human experience? To put it simply, conflict is part of our story because of something broken inside us and, as many believe, because of dark forces that stir the pot.
Why Is There So Much Conflict?
If you look at the world’s timeline, you’ll notice that true peace has been rare. Even when there’s no major war, people still fight on smaller scales—between neighbors, within families, and among groups. Historians say that in just the last century, over 200 million people died because of wars and political violence. This isn’t just about people being passionate or stubborn; some believe there’s more going on behind the scenes.
Human Nature and Our Passions
At the heart of every conflict are human desires—our need for power, safety, stuff, and recognition. Sometimes these passions push us to do great things. But when they spin out of control, they lead to jealousy, greed, and anger. We end up fighting to protect what’s “ours” or to make a name for ourselves, and that sets the stage for all kinds of strife.
The Supernatural Twist: Are We Being Influenced?
Writers like the ancient Greek poet Homer, in his famous stories The Iliad and The Odyssey two ancient Greek epic poems, imagined gods pulling the strings, encouraging people to fight and stir up trouble. In the Bible, there’s a similar idea—evil forces, like the devil (also called Satan), are said to influence people to do harmful things. According to John 8:44, the devil has been “a murderer from the beginning” and is known as the “father of lies.” That means, when we act out of hate or deception, we’re reflecting his character, not the goodness we’re meant for.
What Does This Mean for Us?
The Bible doesn’t just point fingers at evil forces; it also challenges us to look within. Are we letting anger, pride, or envy steer our actions? Are we becoming part of the cycle by dividing, lying, or hurting others? Scripture says that when we do, we’re acting in line with the devil’s nature, not God’s. It’s a call to pay attention—to make sure we’re not being tricked into perpetuating conflict and hate.
Breaking the Cycle
We’re not stuck in this cycle forever. The heart of the Christian message is that we can choose a different path—one marked by truth, peace, and love. Instead of letting our worst impulses or invisible forces control us, we can choose to reconcile, forgive, and seek unity. It starts with honest self-reflection and a willingness to let go of the need to always be right or in control.
In Conclusion
The gods of conflict and our fallen passions are more than just ancient stories or religious ideas—they’re explanations for why humanity seems to repeat the same mistakes. But there’s hope. By recognizing what drives us, both inside and out, we can break free from cycles of violence and division and aim for something better: a world shaped by truth, peace, and grace.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
Bibliography
- Homer. The Iliad and The Odyssey. Ancient Greek epic poems.
- The Holy Bible. John 8:44.
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