Biblical Answer

The Problem of Suffering

The question of why God allows suffering is a complex and deeply personal issue that has puzzled many for centuries. From a biblical perspective, the question arises from a faulty theology of suffering, which assumes that God's primary goal is to heal us and make us comfortable. However, this perspective neglects the fact that God is not primarily concerned with our physical or emotional well-being, but rather with our spiritual growth and relationship with Him. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all creation, and that He permits suffering in order to achieve His purposes.

The Purpose of Suffering

The Bible reveals that God is not a distant, uncaring deity, but a loving Father who desires a personal relationship with each of us. He permits suffering in order to teach us valuable lessons, such as the importance of trust, obedience, and dependence on Him. Through suffering, we are forced to confront our own limitations and weaknesses, and to seek His strength and guidance. The apostle Paul writes, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). This means that suffering is not an end in itself, but a means to an end - the end being spiritual growth and maturity.

Trusting God in Suffering

When faced with suffering, it is tempting to question God's love and motives. We may wonder why He would permit such pain and hardship when He could simply intervene to stop it. However, the Bible teaches that God is not obligated to justify His actions to us. Rather, we are called to trust Him, even when we do not understand His reasons. As the psalmist writes, "God, I don't know what you are doing, but you do, and that is enough" (Psalm 115:3). Ultimately, the question of why God allows suffering is not a question that can be fully answered by human reason, but rather by faith. We must learn to trust God, even in the midst of pain and uncertainty, and to see His sovereignty and love as the ultimate answer to the problem of suffering.