Why Does God Allow Suffering?
God is all powerful. He is also completely good. Since this is true, how can there be evil in this world? Although a complete answer to this question is not possible, here is some food for thought.
Part of the problem that we have with this question has to do with our understanding of good. When we think of God removing evil we think about the end of wars, crime, sickness and physical problems.
However, if God removes evil, He would do a complete job. He would destroy all that is wrong.
When you think of evil in those terms, you must realize that God would destroy every person on the face of the earth. Because every one of us does wrong, every one of us causes others to suffer to some extent. If God stops allowing suffering, He would have to end all our lives or turn us all into robots.
The other reason why God allows suffering is that He is merciful! Lamentations tells us, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.'' (Lamentations 3:22)
The Psalmist states, "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.'' (Psalm 103:10,11)
The Prophet Ezekiel wrote, "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die, O house of Israel?'' (Ezekiel 33:11)
God is patiently waiting and hoping that those who do evil and make others suffer will change their ways and turn to Him that He might forgive them. His mercy allows suffering to continue.
Part of the problem that we have with this question has to do with our understanding of good. When we think of God removing evil we think about the end of wars, crime, sickness and physical problems.
However, if God removes evil, He would do a complete job. He would destroy all that is wrong.
When you think of evil in those terms, you must realize that God would destroy every person on the face of the earth. Because every one of us does wrong, every one of us causes others to suffer to some extent. If God stops allowing suffering, He would have to end all our lives or turn us all into robots.
The other reason why God allows suffering is that He is merciful! Lamentations tells us, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.'' (Lamentations 3:22)
The Psalmist states, "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.'' (Psalm 103:10,11)
The Prophet Ezekiel wrote, "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die, O house of Israel?'' (Ezekiel 33:11)
God is patiently waiting and hoping that those who do evil and make others suffer will change their ways and turn to Him that He might forgive them. His mercy allows suffering to continue.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 12:48 PM
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