The existence of suffering and evil in the world is one of the most common criticisms raised against Christianity. Thankfully, God answers questions about the existence of suffering in the world in the Scriptures. The Bible addresses the question of why God allows suffering in several ways, offering a multifaceted perspective that acknowledges both the reality of pain and God’s greater plan. Some key themes the Bible uses to answer this difficult question are:
The Consequence of Human Sin (The Fall)
Genesis 3 describes the fall of humanity when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. As a result, sin entered the world, along with suffering, pain, and death. Much of the suffering in the world today—violence, disease, natural disasters, relational strife—can be traced back to the brokenness of creation that began with the Fall.
The Bible emphasizes that God created the world good, but suffering exists because human beings chose to rebel against God’s design. Romans 5:12 explains, “Through one man [Adam] sin entered the world, and death through sin.”
Free Will and Moral Evil
The Bible reveals that God gave humanity free will, which allows people to make moral choices. Suffering often results from the misuse of human freedom—both at the personal and societal levels. When people act selfishly or unjustly, others may suffer as a result.
Deuteronomy 30:19 speaks of this choice: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.”
God creates humanity with free will for the sake of love. Love isn’t possible without free will.
Furthermore, being created in the divine image, humanity’s existence (like that of the Trinity) is perichoretic (i.e., mutually indwelling). This means that our lives are inextricably linked. This is why all people feel the impact of every sin, even when their lives are thousands of years a part (e.g., original sin and even the atonement).
God’s Sovereign Purposes
While the Bible acknowledges that suffering exists because of sin, it also teaches that God can use suffering for His greater purposes. For example, Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, later recognizes that God used his suffering for good: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Romans 8:28 reaffirms this theme: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Even in situations of suffering, God is sovereign and can bring about redemption and growth.
Testing and Refinement
Suffering in the Bible is sometimes described as a means of testing or refining a person’s faith. In James 1:2-4, believers are told to “consider it pure joy” when they face trials, because the testing of their faith produces perseverance, which leads to maturity and completeness.
1 Peter 1:6-7 similarly says that trials are like a refining fire that purifies faith, making it more precious than gold.
Suffering and the Discipline of God
The Bible also teaches that God sometimes allows suffering as a form of discipline to correct and train His people. Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” This discipline is not punishment in a destructive sense but a loving correction meant to draw people closer to God and shape their character.
Just as a loving parent disciplines a child for their growth, so God may allow hardship to teach, correct, or purify His people.
Participation in Christ’s Suffering
The New Testament frequently teaches that Christians share in the sufferings of Christ. Just as Jesus endured suffering on the cross for the sake of humanity’s salvation, believers are called to endure suffering as part of their walk of faith. This does not explain all suffering, but it adds meaning to the suffering of believers as a form of participation in Jesus’ mission.
Philippians 3:10 says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
Mystery and Trust in God’s Wisdom
The book of Job tackles the question of innocent suffering. Job, a righteous man, suffers immense loss and hardship, and he questions why God allows this. God’s response (Job 38-41) emphasizes His divine wisdom and the limitations of human understanding. Rather than explaining the specific reason for Job’s suffering, God highlights that His ways are higher than human ways and calls for trust in His greater plan.
Sometimes the Bible simply acknowledges the mystery of suffering, encouraging believers to trust in God even when they cannot fully understand His purposes.
Suffering as Temporary, with Future Glory
The Bible also places suffering within an eternal perspective. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul calls the sufferings of this life “light and momentary troubles” in comparison to the “eternal glory” that awaits believers. Romans 8:18 similarly states, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
The ultimate Christian hope is that in eternity, God will put an end to all suffering. God promises in Revelation 21:4 that in the new creation, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
God’s Empathy and Presence in Suffering
Finally, the Bible teaches that God is not distant from human suffering. In Psalm 34:18, it says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Jesus Himself experienced profound suffering, including physical pain, rejection, and death on the cross.
Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus is a high priest who can “sympathize with our weaknesses,” as He endured every form of human suffering. God’s ultimate response to suffering is not to remain detached but to enter into it through the person of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The Bible offers a multifaceted response to the question of suffering. It acknowledges that suffering exists because of human sin and the brokenness of the world, but it also teaches that God uses suffering for His greater purposes, including refining faith, drawing people closer to Him, and preparing them for eternal glory. While suffering often remains mysterious, the Bible encourages trust in God’s wisdom and the hope of ultimate restoration in eternity. Through Christ, God has entered into human suffering and promises to bring redemption from it.
