Why does God allow suffering and evil?
The Short Answer
God allows suffering and evil to exist in the world primarily because He has given humanity the gift of free will. He did not create suffering, but it is a consequence of humanity's choice to turn away from Him.
The Biblical Basis
The Bible teaches that suffering and evil are not part of God's original design but entered the world through sin. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve's decision to disobey God introduced brokenness into creation. God did not cause this evil, but He has a plan to overcome it.
Jesus Himself acknowledged the reality of suffering. In John 16:33, He says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This shows that while we will experience pain, God's ultimate victory is certain. The Bible also assures us that God can use our suffering for a greater purpose. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Diving Deeper
To truly love God, we must have the ability to choose not to love Him. Without this choice, love is not genuine; it's just forced obedience. God values a relationship with us, which requires us to have free will. When humanity used that freedom to turn away from God, it opened the door for brokenness, pain, and evil.
The ultimate answer to suffering isn't just an explanation—it's Jesus Christ. The cross is God's ultimate response to the problem of evil. He didn't stay distant from our suffering; He entered into it completely. Jesus suffered and died to provide a way for us to be rescued from the power of sin and death, which are the root causes of all evil.
What This Means for You
God never promised a life without pain, but He promised that He would be with you through it. When you face hardship, it's not a sign that God is absent or uncaring. Instead, it can be an opportunity to rely on His strength and comfort in a new way. You can find hope in knowing that your pain is not pointless and that God can bring something good out of it, even if you can't see it now.
A Question to Ponder
How can trusting in God's presence in your life, even during times of pain, change the way you respond to hardship?
