I’ll never forget where I was on April 20, 1999. I was a sophomore in high school and had just finished golf practice. My father picked me up in his white Buick sedan. He broke the news to me: Two high school students had entered Columbine High School in Colorado and tragically murdered 12 students and 1 teacher, injuring 23 others.

I was stunned.

At the time, it felt unthinkable.

Sadly, mass shootings are no longer rare. For the past two decades, evil people have been copying and magnifying these atrocities. The violence has snowballed in frequency and destruction. As the headlines continue to mount, we wonder if there is anything we can do.

What is the root cause of such evil?

In many cases, there seems to be a typical profile in those who are hurting others: untreated mental illness, deep isolation, toxic online culture, extremist ideology, and simmering resentment.

These are some of the possible visible signs, but there is also a deeper, unseen force working behind every act of evil.

In the last book of the Bible, John describes a vision that he received from the Lord about the origin of evil. “The great dragon . . . that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan . . . was hurled to the earth” (Revelation 12:9).

According to the Scriptures, the evil one is an angel who rebelled against God and sought to be first among the celestial beings. He was defeated and cast down to the earth. Now he is bent on leading “the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9), and “he is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short” (Revelation 12:12).

The devil has been behind all this wickedness from the very beginning. He is the author of evil. He is the spiritual force inspiring the visible destruction.

How does the devil provoke people to do such awful things?

He is a liar. He lies about the goodness of God and the blessings of repentance and faith. His favorite act of deception is to stoke the flames of resentment, perceived injustice, envy, and entitlement.

He has been doing this since the very beginning.

He whispered to Eve in the Garden of Eden, “God is withholding blessings from you.”

He whispered to Cain, the first murderer: “You deserve better. Your brother Abel is making your life miserable.”

He whispers to us today, “You have to take matters into your own hands.”

In every case, the culprit believes these lies. They think all their problems are outside of themselves, in other people and circumstances. They believe the lie that if they could eliminate those problems, then their life would be worth living.

So they destroy what they believe is getting in their way, unable to see that their most significant problems come from within.

What can we do to overcome the work of the devil?

We must be aware of the people around us who might be seduced by the devil’s lies. Do you notice when those close to you are withdrawing from society? Are you aware when others are getting caught up in destructive ideologies? Can you perceive their feelings of hatred or bitterness?

Please do what you can to step toward them. Ask questions. Offer resources and help. Be willing to listen. Make use of the authorities and the spiritual and emotional leaders in your area. As far as it depends on you, promote connection and peace with all people.

But the devil is not only at work in the lives of others. Sin is crouching at our doors as well. The same sinful nature that’s in the most vile among us dwells in us too. Can you spot the seeds of envy and resentment in your own heart? Do you know the sound of Satan’s voice? Can you perceive his lies of entitlement and animosity?

When you become aware of such evil in your heart, what do you do?

In the same section of Revelation that describes the devil’s power, it also gives us a weapon to fight against the accuser. The Scriptures tell us that we overcome the evil one by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). In other words, when we cling to the forgiving power of Jesus’ sacrifice, when we boldly proclaim and commit to our faith, Satan shrinks back.

On the cross, Jesus crushed the head of the devil. The work of Jesus grants us complete forgiveness and peace, destroying the desires of envy and resentment. This good news gives us the power to say no to sin and to lead upright and godly lives with his power (Titus 2:11,12). Satan no longer has control over us.

Remain hopeful.

The continual reports of senseless violence are spiritually and emotionally exhausting. Evil seems to be winning. Yet at the same time, God continues to turn evil into good, to bring the wicked to justice, and to multiply the work of his kingdom.

So instead of getting caught in the net of envy, resentment, and fear, let us be filled with joy and praise. Our God still reigns. He judges all wickedness. He is coming soon to make all things new.

Be on guard against evil in our world and in your own heart. Call out the lie. Speak the truth. Cling to Jesus, and do good.