Why does God allow pain & suffering

Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?

One of the most profound and perplexing questions that has puzzled humanity for centuries is.

"If God is a good God, why does He allow pain and suffering?"

This question has been asked by philosophers, theologians, and everyday people who have experienced pain and suffering firsthand.

From a Christian and biblical perspective, we must acknowledge that pain and suffering are a reality of life in a fallen world. However, we also believe that God is good, loving, and sovereign. So, how do we reconcile these two seemingly contradictory truths?

The Bible acknowledges the existence of pain and suffering, but it also provides a framework for understanding and responding to them. Here are a few key biblical explanations with scriptures verses:

1. The Fall of Humanity In Genesis 3, we read about the fall of humanity, where Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command, leading to sin entering the world. This event had far-reaching consequences, including the introduction of pain and suffering.

2.The Sovereignty God The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including pain and suffering (Isaiah 45:7, Romans 11:36). While God does not cause evil, He can use it to achieve His purposes.

3. Purpose of Pain and Suffering The Bible suggests that pain and suffering can serve several purposes, including:

- Refining and purifying us. Just as fire refines metal, pain and suffering can refine and purify us, making us more like Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-4).

- Teaching us to rely on God. Pain and suffering can teach us to rely on God's strength and provision, rather than our own (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

- Bringing us closer to God. Pain and suffering can bring us closer to God, as we learn to trust Him and find comfort in His presence (Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

4.The Hope of Redemption. The Bible offers us hope in the midst of pain and suffering. We know that God is working to redeem and restore all things, including our broken and suffering world (Romans 8:18-25, Revelation 21:1-4).

Conclusion

God is good, however, he allows pain, suffering, and death because he grants humans free will, meaning people can choose to do good or evil, and the consequences of those choices, including suffering, are a natural part of life; furthermore, some believe that suffering can be a catalyst for personal growth and a deeper relationship with God, allowing individuals to learn and develop resilience through hardship.

Key points to consider:

Free Will:

God's love for humanity includes respecting our ability to make choices, even if those choices lead to negative consequences like suffering.

While some may not accept the answers, we can trust that God is good, loving, and sovereign. We can also find comfort in the biblical principles that provide a framework for understanding and responding to pain and suffering.

Reflection Questions

1. How have you experienced pain and suffering in your life?

2. How do you think God can use pain and suffering to refine and purify us?

3. What hope do you find in the biblical promise of redemption and restoration?

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come to You with heavy hearts, acknowledging the pain and suffering that exists in our world. We don't always understand why You allow these things, but we trust that You are good, loving, and sovereign. Help us to find comfort in Your presence and to trust in Your promise of redemption and restoration.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Marcel and Jacqueline Bruff

@walkgoodinchrist