Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?
Today, we will talk about why does God let bad things happen. Many Christians do not know what this means. The question often puzzles believers and non-believers alike. Life is a mix of joy and sorrow, and it’s easy to feel abandoned when we encounter hardships. However, the Bible teaches us invaluable lessons about suffering and the purpose behind it. Be in a mindset of meditation as we read through God’s word and seek clarity on this significant topic.
The Nature of Good and Evil
To understand why God permits evil and suffering, we first need to look into the nature of good and evil. In the original Hebrew, the word for good is “טוֹב” (tov), which not only means morally excellent but also pleasant and beneficial (Genesis 1:31). On the other hand, the Hebrew term “רָע” (ra) signifies trouble or hardship (Isaiah 45:7). In the Greek language, the term for evil is “κακός” (kakos), meaning bad, unpleasant, or harmful. This clear distinction is vital as we begin the journey into the complexity of good and bad in the world.
God is good, as stated in Psalm 100:5, “For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” In His goodness, God created a world filled with beauty, love, and the potential for joy. However, with that goodness came the capacity for choice. Genesis 2:16-17 shows that God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to choose between good and evil. Their choice to disobey leads to sin entering the world (Romans 5:12), which, in turn, caused all the suffering we see around us today.
The existence of free will contributes to the reality of suffering as well. While God created a perfect world, humans were given the power to choose their path. This choice may lead to consequences that affect not only the individual but also those around them. The choices of Eve and Adam brought about a fallen world, which can lead to harmful events that we experience today through natural disasters, illness, and violence. John 16:33 reminds us that in the world we will face tribulation, but we can take heart, for Jesus has overcome the world.
With this understanding, it becomes evident that God did not create evil; instead, it is a consequence of the choices made by humanity. God allows bad things to happen not as a punishment but as a result of the choices people make. Though He does not willingly bring suffering, He can use it for greater purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
The Role of Free Will
As we consider why suffering exists, we must also address the concept of free will. Free will is a gift from God; it allows us to make choices that can bring us closer to Him or drive us away. Galatians 5:13 states, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” While free will permits us to make good choices, it also grants us the power to choose poorly.
Since the beginning, with Adam and Eve, choices made in defiance of God’s commands have led to the introduction of sin and suffering (Genesis 3:6-7). God gave humans the ability to choose between good and evil because love cannot exist without free will. Love requires a genuine choice and a willingness to follow God’s design for our lives. Without free will, we would be like programmed robots, incapable of loving or following God’s greater purpose.
With every choice comes consequences, positive and negative. When people choose to act against God’s will—through acts of violence, dishonesty, and rebellion—the world experiences negative repercussions (James 1:14-15). Additionally, other people’s bad choices can affect us indirectly. For example, a person driving under the influence may cause harm to innocent people; their poor choice results in suffering for others. We see in Proverbs 14:12 that “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,” highlighting the consequences of wrong choices.
Nevertheless, God’s patience and mercy endure. He desires that all come to a knowledge of the truth and turn back to Him (2 Peter 3:9). Even amid suffering caused by free will, God provides opportunities for redemption and growth. He may allow bad things to happen to lead us toward repentance or to help us realize our dependence on Him (Romans 2:4).
God’s Sovereignty Over Suffering
Despite the presence of suffering, God’s sovereignty remains paramount in understanding why bad things occur. The word “sovereignty” refers to His ultimate power and authority over all creation. Job 42:2 states, “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” This verse acknowledges that God is in control, even in chaotic situations. We might wonder why God allows suffering, but we must remember He is still working for our good and His glory.
Throughout the Bible, we see instances where suffering serves a divine purpose. For instance, in the story of Joseph, we learn that God used his brothers’ betrayal and subsequent hardships in Egypt to save many from famine (Genesis 50:20). The trials Joseph faced equipped him for a greater purpose in God’s redemptive plan. Similarly, Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:4, mentions how God comforts us in our tribulations so that we can share that comfort with others.
As humans, it’s difficult to see the greater picture in our circumstances. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declaring that God’s perspective is vastly different and beyond our grasp. What appears as misfortune to us may hold an essential purpose in God’s grand plan (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Romans 8:18 tells us, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” This notion encourages us to trust God, even when we cannot see how our suffering fits into His plan.
Growth Through Trials
God allows challenges and suffering for various reasons, one being spiritual growth. The book of James emphasizes the importance of trials in cultivating perseverance: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). Through difficult experiences, we become stronger in our faith and character. These challenges teach us reliance on God and help us develop compassion for others who suffer.
Adversity can refine our faith. Peter encourages believers to rejoice in suffering, knowing it helps demonstrate the authenticity of their faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). In those moments of darkness, we often draw nearer to God, seeking His comfort and guidance. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reveals how God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, enabling us to endure and overcome hardships.
Suffering can also be a means of ministering to others. As we face our trials with grace, we can share our testimonies and encourage others going through similar situations. 2 Corinthians 1:6 reminds us, “If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer.” Our experiences allow us to empathize and offer support to those who are experiencing pain.
While it may be tempting to question God’s love during adverse times, we should remember Romans 5:3-5, which assures us that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character and character produces hope. God is committed to our growth and well-being, and even when we struggle, His love never fails (Psalm 136:1).
The Ultimate Example of Suffering: Jesus Christ
To grasp the suffering in life, we must look to Jesus as the ultimate example. Jesus faced unspeakable suffering and hardship throughout His life, culminating in the crucifixion. Hebrews 4:15 beautifully states that He can empathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way yet remained without sin. His suffering was not a punishment but a part of God’s redemptive plan for humanity (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus endured the cross, not for His sins but for ours, to bring us back to a right relationship with God. Philippians 2:8 indicates that He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death on a cross. Through His suffering, He achieved a greater good: the salvation of mankind. As believers, we can take solace in the fact that God did not spare His own Son from suffering; rather, He used it to bring us immense hope.
Moreover, Jesus assures us that suffering has purpose. In John 16:33, He states, “In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus’ victory over death gives us hope in not just our temporary trials but also in the promise of eternal life. Our challenges are temporary in comparison to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding why God allows bad things to happen requires us to reflect on free will, God’s sovereignty, and the purpose behind suffering. We live in a world where our choices have consequences, not only for ourselves but also for others. Although God is all-powerful, He has given us the freedom to choose our paths, which can lead to both good and bad outcomes.
Despite the hardships we face, we can find hope in knowing that God uses our suffering for our growth and as a means to fulfill His divine plan. Trials serve to strengthen our faith and help us empathize with others. Ultimately, Jesus Christ’s example of suffering demonstrates that even the most challenging moments can lead to transformative blessings.
So, when life’s storms come our way, let us hold on to the assurance that God sees and understands our pain, and He is always with us, even in our darkest moments. God is continuously guiding us to a place of greater understanding and love, helping us navigate through the challenges we face with His unchanging nature and promises.
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
50 Important bible verses about focus (With Explanation)