Today we will talk about why does God allow bad things to happen. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s a question that has been asked through the ages, stirring debates and prompting deep reflection. We often wonder why hardships, suffering, and injustices occur in a world created and overseen by a loving God. It can be perplexing to witness pain and turmoil, and yet feel a call to believe in a benevolent deity. By exploring the Scriptures together, we can seek a better understanding of this challenging topic. So, be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and reveal insights along the way.
Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen?
The Nature of Free Will
To begin to address why God allows bad things to happen, we must start with the concept of free will. God had the foresight to create human beings with the ability to make choices. The Hebrew word for “free will” is “rāḥōḵ,” denoting independence or freedom from outside control. This autonomy means that individuals can choose to love and obey God or go against His will. In Genesis 2:16-17, we observe God’s instruction to Adam: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Here, God does not impose His will but offers a choice. Unfortunately, this choice led to sin entering the world, a pivotal moment that resulted in suffering (Romans 5:12).
This sense of freedom can sometimes lead to painful outcomes. The Greek word “ponēros” for evil succinctly captures this struggle, referring to wickedness or moral depravity that often arises from human choices. God allows us the ability to choose, knowing it provides a basis for genuine love, faith, and authentic relationships. This gift of free will inherently exposes us to the potential for bad things to happen, not just to ourselves but to others as well.
When individuals choose not to follow God’s laws, relationships become strained, and communities can fracture, resulting in chaos and suffering. Whether it’s through selfish actions that lead to harm or a refusal to engage in acts of kindness, the choices made by individuals can have ripple effects. This reality not only highlights human nature’s vulnerability but also points towards God’s patience and grace in allowing for redemption (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Throughout the Scriptures, God respects human freedom, choosing not to override our decisions even when they lead to suffering. The tragedies and evils of life can serve as a stark reminder of the need for divine assistance and the call to return to Him for guidance, healing, and forgiveness (James 1:13-14).
The Purpose of Trials and Suffering
Another reason God allows bad events to unfold is linked to trials and suffering. In biblical terms, trials often serve as tools for growth and refine our spiritual character. In the Book of James 1:2-4, we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” The key Greek term here is “dokimion,” which represents the testing and proving of one’s faith. Testing helps strengthen our faith and cultivate patience, turning our struggles into testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
Moreover, suffering can build empathy and compassion in us, allowing us to connect with others on a more profound level. The Hebrew term “racham,” which translates to compassion and mercy, encapsulates the feeling that arises from experiencing hardship. When we face our own difficulties, we become more attuned to the pains of others and are often motivated to help. God’s allowance of suffering can ultimately inspire us to display His love to those in need because we recognize our shared humanity (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Additionally, Romans 8:28 reassures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse does not promise that all experiences will be pleasant, but rather that God can weave the pain and trials of life into a beautiful tapestry of growth and purpose. Each difficulty can lead us closer to God’s heart, preparing us to fulfill our divine purpose.
It’s essential to view suffering not as a punishment but as a part of our journey to being more Christ-like. Philippians 3:10 emphasizes the significance of sharing in Christ’s sufferings, which leads us to know Him more intimately. The bad things in our lives can thus serve a greater purpose if we open our hearts to learn and grow through them.
The Mystery of God’s Sovereignty
Understanding that God has reasons for permitting evil and suffering can evoke feelings of confusion and frustration. We often do not see the bigger picture, as God operates on a plane beyond human understanding. The sovereignty of God indicates that He is ultimately in control, even amidst chaos. The Hebrew word “mashal,” which speaks of dominion or rule, reflects His authority over all creation.
In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reassures us: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” This powerful message suggests that our understanding is limited, and God’s plan often remains concealed from us. His greater wisdom can allow for pain to produce eventual good. Some of life’s most profound lessons come through suffering, and history shows how God’s hand has worked through trials to fulfill His plans for humanity.
Job’s story is a prime illustration of this concept. In Job 1-2, we find a man who experienced unfathomable loss and suffering, yet remained faithful. Through it all, Job learned to trust God despite his circumstances. Ultimately, when Job encountered God in Job 38:1-4, he came to understand that God’s plans and wisdom are far beyond human comprehension.
This mystery of God’s sovereignty invites us to lean into faith and trust Him, even when life feels unpredictable. It reminds us that there’s purpose in our struggles, and that we may not always see the immediate results of our suffering. The promise of Romans 8:18, which tells us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us,” helps maintain hope amid trials.
We may not fully grasp why God allows specific hardships to take place, but we can trust that He is at work in our lives, leading us along paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3). His sovereignty assures us that nothing escapes His watchful eye, and every event serves His deeper purpose.
God’s Call for Compassion and Action
Another reason God permits bad things to happen lies in His call for us to take action. The existence of suffering should not lead to resignation but inspire us to become change-makers. Throughout the Scriptures, God illustrates His desire for His people to act in love and justice on behalf of those who are suffering. In Micah 6:8, we read, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
The presence of suffering serves as a vital call to action, urging us to respond with compassion. When we witness pain around us, we are invited to partake in God’s mission to relieve that suffering. Matthew 25:35-40 illustrates the essence of this calling beautifully, as Jesus highlights how acts of kindness towards the less fortunate represent service to Him.
When we choose to step in during challenging circumstances, we not only follow our calling as believers but also reflect God’s love and grace to a waiting world. We are reminded by 1 John 3:17-18 to not merely talk about love, but to show it through our actions. Embracing this call can lead to transformation in both our lives and the lives of those we touch.
The Church, as the body of Christ, has a significant role in addressing suffering and injustice. It’s essential for us as believers to rise to the occasion and meet the needs of our communities and the world. We can alleviate suffering by offering support, kindness, and tangible resources and by advocating for justice.
Ultimately, understanding why God allows bad things to happen should lead us toward empathy, action, and a deeper reflection of our faith. Our ability to respond with love and grace can turn moments of despair into opportunities for hope and healing.
The Assurance of God’s Presence in Suffering
Amid all the hardships we face, the good news is that we are never alone. One of the most reassuring messages of the Bible is the promise of God’s presence during our trials. Hebrews 13:5 assures us that God will never leave us or forsake us. The Hebrew term “nâḥah” emphasizes comfort and support, signifying that God walks alongside us in our darkest hours.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When we encounter pain and suffering, it can feel isolating, yet God’s presence offers solace and strength. The struggle can deepen our relationship with Him and lead to deeper intimacy, as we lean on His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27).
Furthermore, the story of how Jesus endured suffering is a beautiful reminder that God does not distance Himself from our pain. He bore our sorrows and understands our struggles (Isaiah 53:4). When we cry out to Him in times of pain, He hears us and is present to offer comfort.
Matthew 11:28 invites us to find rest in Him, encouraging those who struggle to bring their burdens to Him. Through prayer, fellowship, and Scripture, we can experience God’s healing and presence even amidst life’s tragic events.
Understanding God’s constant presence shifts our perspective on suffering, allowing us to recognize that although we face trials, we are not alone. God assures us that He walks this journey with us, providing the strength we need to press on.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on why God allows bad things to happen, we find reassurance in the understanding of free will, trials, and suffering as fundamental parts of human life. Each heartbreak or loss invites personal growth, character development, and the opportunity to serve others in love.
Remember, we may not always see God’s full plan, but we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty. Our calling as believers is to respond with compassion and actively work toward alleviating suffering in the world. Each act of kindness contributes to the greater purpose that God has for us, reflecting His love to those in need.
Importantly, we are never alone in our struggles. God walks alongside us, offering comfort, strength, and assurance that we will emerge from our trials renewed. Let us embrace this journey with open hearts, knowing that every challenge can lead us closer to Him and higher paths of joy and fulfillment.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)