As I write more deaths have been reported from Afghanistan..... 'killed while on foot patrol in Helmand province' or 'died following the explosion of a roadside bomb' - we have heard these words so often. We also hear reports of great courage and self-sacrifice. A few days ago a young soldier risked his life to rescue a local village elder caught in crossfire. He called his actions "just my job" but officers said he strengthened relationships between the soldiers and the Afghan people. And another young soldier saved the lives of two others whilst under intense enemy fire when his platoon was ambushed. He knew it was an ambush but he went anyway, and dragged his friends to safety.

Sadly we all recognise the presence of evil in the world; evil that makes people kill for power or money or greed; evil that makes dictators who oppress and torture people. But something else happens too. A young man, whose every instinct says 'run away' when in terrifying danger, turns back to save another. Courage and determination rise within him, often to his surprise, and overcome the horror and fear as he acts to help a fellow human being when no one else can. This is the love that sees not the sacrifice but the powerful freedom to do good. For 'greater love has no one than this, than to give his life for his friend'

Evil seems so pervasive, so powerful today. When it comes near to us, as it has recently to the people of Cumbria, we are afraid. But somehow the evil never quite overwhelms the good. We see the drawing together of people after a tragedy to care for, help and comfort each other. The light continues to shine and there is hope. The darkness can never overcome it.

How can we believe in a good God in the face of so much evil? And yet how can we not believe when there is so much good? Love and joy and goodness are so much greater than hatred and fear and evil.