Biblical Answer

Why Does God Allow Good People to Suffer?

#### Suffering for the Good of Others

First, God (assuming that he is perfectly loving) could certainly permit someone to suffer for the good of someone else if, as in Christ's case, this suffering is voluntarily assumed. This concept can be understood by looking at the example of Christ, who willingly suffered for the good of humanity. If God is perfectly loving, he could permit someone to suffer for the good of others, and this suffering could somehow be turned to the person's own good.

#### Suffering as a Means to an End

Another perspective on God allowing good people to suffer is that suffering can be a means to an end. Many people believe that suffering can be a transformative experience that allows individuals to grow and become better people. This concept is often referred to as "redemptive suffering." In this view, suffering is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end, a way for individuals to develop character, empathy, and compassion. This perspective suggests that God allows good people to suffer in order to bring about a greater good, even if that good is not immediately apparent.

#### Trusting God in the Midst of Suffering

Ultimately, the question of why God allows good people to suffer may be one that we cannot fully understand. Some people may argue that God does not have a good reason for allowing suffering, but this perspective can be limiting. Instead, we can choose to trust God in the midst of suffering, even when we do not understand why it is happening. This trust is not based on our ability to understand God's reasons, but rather on our faith in his goodness and love. 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). By trusting God in the midst of suffering, we can find hope and peace, even in the midst of pain and difficulty.