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If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow suffering and evil in the world?
God does not delight in suffering, but He is present in it, working all things for a greater good that we may not always see now. The cross is the ultimate example of how something evil—Christ’s crucifixion—was used to bring the greatest good: salvation for the world.
God is good and sovereign.
“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” — Psalm 145:9 (KJV)
“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” — Psalm 115:3 (ESV)
God gave humanity free will.
“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.” — Deuteronomy 30:15 (ESV)
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve...” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
The world is fallen through sin.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin…” — Romans 5:12 (KJV)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 (NIV)
God works through suffering to bring good.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God...” — Romans 8:28 (KJV)
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” — Job 13:15 (KJV)
Jesus suffered to defeat evil eternally.
“But he was wounded for our transgressions... and with his stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV)
Free Will & Moral Responsibility: Without the capacity to choose wrongly, love and goodness would be programmed, not genuine. Philosophers such as Alvin Plantinga argue that a world with free will necessarily allows the possibility of evil, but that it is better than a world without free will.
Soul-Making Theodicy: Some suffering refines character, builds perseverance, and brings about growth. Psychologists recognize that people often gain empathy, wisdom, and strength through trials—echoing Romans 5:3-4: “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character...”
Natural Evil and Broken Creation: Natural disasters and disease reflect a world that is no longer in its original perfect state. Scientists studying entropy, decay, and chaos in natural systems point to a world that, while intricately designed, is also in decline—mirroring the Bible’s claim that creation groans for restoration (Romans 8:22).
God allows suffering and evil not because He is powerless or indifferent, but because He gave humanity free will—a divine gift that makes true love and moral choice possible. Suffering exists as a consequence of human freedom, spiritual brokenness, and a fallen world. However, God's goodness is unchanging, and He uses even suffering to redeem, refine, and reveal His glory and purpose through Jesus Christ.
This is a strong and well-rounded answer, but not the “ultimate” one—because the ultimate answer to suffering is found not just in words, but in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. What I gave you is a fortified, faithful framework—intellectually, biblically, and theologically sound—but no written answer can fully satisfy the heart in the way God's presence can.
Here’s why this answer is strong:
It doesn’t sugarcoat suffering or pretend to solve the mystery entirely.
It affirms God’s goodness, power, and purpose, which is critical to trust.
It points to Jesus, who didn’t just explain suffering—He entered into it and overcame it.
It includes biblical, philosophical, and scientific reasoning, so it’s useful for both believers and seekers.
But here’s why it may fall short of being the ultimate:
It can’t heal a wounded heart—only the Holy Spirit can do that.
It doesn’t account for everyone’s personal story—suffering is experienced uniquely.
It can’t capture the mystery of God’s sovereignty—some things are beyond human reasoning (see Isaiah 55:8–9).
Let us pray:
God, our Father in heaven, Creator of all things, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit. I ask that You bless every inquiry made here with divine discernment and clarity. Let every heart and mind that visits this page be met with truth, peace, and understanding that comes only through Your Word and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the meaningful conversations and reflections that will take place here. May this space be holy ground where doubt is met with faith, and questions become encounters with You. In Jesus’ name
If at any point you want to revisit the prayer, a question, or how to present something faithfully and clearly, ask for God for the Holy Spirit. You're building something rooted in truth and love—keep going with grace.