Biblical Answer

Understanding the Problem of Suffering

The question of why God allows good people to suffer when he's all-powerful is a complex and age-old issue that has puzzled philosophers, theologians, and everyday people for centuries. The problem arises from the apparent contradiction between God's power and love on one hand, and the presence of suffering in the world on the other. If God is all-powerful, why does he permit suffering? If he is all-loving, why does he allow good people to suffer?

Possible Reasons for Suffering

There are several possible reasons why God might permit suffering, even if he is all-powerful and all-loving. One reason is that suffering can be an essential part of bringing about a greater good. Just as a doctor might prescribe a painful treatment to cure a patient, God might permit suffering in order to bring about a greater good, such as spiritual growth or character development. Another reason is that suffering can be a means of demonstrating God's love and sovereignty. Just as a parent might allow their child to experience hardship in order to teach them valuable lessons, God might permit suffering in order to teach us valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and trust.

The Purpose of Suffering

The Bible teaches that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth and character development. In Romans 5:3-4, the apostle Paul writes, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." This passage suggests that suffering can be a means of conforming us to the likeness of Christ, which is the ultimate goal of our lives as Christians. By enduring suffering, we can become more like Jesus and develop the character and hope that we need to live out our faith in a world filled with challenges and difficulties. As the Bible says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Ultimately, the purpose of suffering is to bring us closer to God and to help us become more like him.