Biblical Answer

The Problem of Suffering: A Biblical Perspective

The question of why God allows suffering is a complex and deeply personal one. From a biblical perspective, suffering is not something that God causes, but rather it is a result of the fallen world we live in. The Bible teaches that suffering is a consequence of sin, and that God is not the author of suffering (Lamentations 3:33). Instead, He allows suffering to come into our lives in order to accomplish His purposes.

God's Sovereignty and Human Freedom

One of the key reasons why God allows suffering is because of human freedom. The Bible teaches that God created humans with the ability to make choices, and that He respects our freedom to choose between good and evil. This means that God's options are restricted, and that He may not be able to prevent suffering altogether. However, this does not mean that God is not in control. Rather, He is working out His purposes in the midst of human freedom, even when it leads to suffering. The Bible says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Finding Hope in Suffering

So how can we find hope in the midst of suffering? The Bible teaches that suffering can be an opportunity for us to turn to God and trust Him, even when we don't understand why He allows suffering. The apostle Paul wrote, "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 even in the midst of suffering, we can find hope in the promise that God is working out His purposes in our lives, and that He is using our suffering to make us more like Christ. As Jesus Himself said, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of suffering, we can find hope and peace in the midst of uncertainty.