What's the Difference Between a God Who Is Supposed to Be Loving and a God Who Lets Me Suffer?

Introduction

The question of why a loving God would permit suffering is a longstanding and complex issue. It is a challenge that has been faced by philosophers, theologians, and everyday people for centuries. The question is not just intellectual, but also emotional, as it touches on our perceptions of God's character and our own experiences of pain and suffering.

A God Who Is Perfectly Loving and Omnipotent

To begin to address this question, let's consider what it means to say that God is perfectly loving and omnipotent. If God is perfectly loving, then he would want the best for humanity and would not intentionally cause us to suffer. However, if God is also omnipotent, then he has the power to prevent suffering. The question then arises, why doesn't he exercise this power to prevent suffering? There are a few possible answers to this question. One possibility is that God allows suffering for the greater good, such as to bring about spiritual growth or to test our faith. Another possibility is that God allows suffering because it is a necessary part of the human experience, and that without it, we would not be able to appreciate the good things in life.

The Problem of Evil and Suffering

The problem of evil and suffering is a classic challenge to the idea of a loving and omnipotent God. If God is all-powerful, then he should be able to prevent evil and suffering. If God is all-loving, then he should want to prevent evil and suffering. Since evil and suffering exist, it seems to contradict the idea of a loving and omnipotent God. However, this is a complex issue, and there are many different perspectives on it. Some people argue that God allows suffering because it is a necessary part of the human experience, and that without it, we would not be able to appreciate the good things in life. Others argue that God allows suffering because it is a result of human free will, and that God cannot intervene without violating our free will. Ultimately, the question of why a loving God would permit suffering is a mystery that may be beyond human comprehension. What is clear, however, is that God is a God of love, and that he is present in our suffering. As Jesus said, "I am the God who inhabits your suffering, and I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) This is a comforting thought, and one that can bring us peace and hope in the midst of suffering.