Why Does God Allow Suffering and Evil?
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
1. Evil Exists Because of Free Will
God created humans with the ability to choose because real love cannot be forced.
When mankind chose sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), evil, suffering, and death entered the world.
God didn’t create evil but He allowed choice. And choice opened the door to sin, pain, and brokenness.
2. God Is Not the Author of Evil But He Allows It Temporarily
James 1:13 says, “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.”
God permits suffering for now, but He never delights in it.
Why? Because He’s weaving a bigger story than we can see.
Just like a surgeon allows pain to save a life, God sometimes allows suffering to bring about a greater eternal good.
3. We Live in a Fallen World
The world is broken by sin—this is why we see war, sickness, injustice, and disasters.
Romans 8:22 says, “The whole creation groans…”
Pain reminds us that this world is not our final home.
It creates a longing for God’s kingdom, where “He will wipe every tear” (Revelation 21:4).
4. Suffering Draws Us to God
C.S. Lewis once said, “God whispers in our pleasures but shouts in our pain.”
Pain humbles us and turns our hearts back to God.
David said, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” (Psalm 119:71)
5. God Suffered Too On the Cross
God is not distant or cold toward our pain He stepped into it.
Through Jesus, God suffered more than we ever could:
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Betrayed
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Rejected
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Beaten
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Crucified for our sin
Hebrews 4:15 says we have a High Priest who understands our suffering.
6. God Uses Suffering for His Glory and Our Growth
Romans 8:28 says God works all things for good for those who love Him.
Even what the enemy meant for evil, God can turn into redemption.
Pain can:
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Strengthen character (James 1:2–4)
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Produce endurance
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Deepen compassion for others
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Open doors for ministry
7. Evil and Suffering Will Not Last Forever
God has set a day when He will judge evil and make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
The promise of Christ’s return assures us that suffering has an expiration date.
Until then, we live by faith, comforted by the truth that God is with us even in the valley.
Final Thought
We may not always understand why suffering comes, but we can be certain of this:
God is good. He is just. He is near to the brokenhearted.
And in Christ, our suffering is never wasted.