Biblical Answer

Step 1: Understanding the Question

The question asks why God lets us suffer when we're doing everything right. This question reflects a common concern among believers and non-believers alike, and it's a topic that has been debated and explored in various contexts.

Step 2: Exploring the Role of Suffering

Suffering is a reality that exists in our world, and it's not limited to those who are doing wrong. Even those who are living righteously and following God's commands can experience suffering. This raises questions about God's character and motivations. Some may wonder if God is loving and all-powerful, why would He allow suffering to occur.

Step 3: Considering the Purpose of Suffering

One perspective on suffering is that it serves a purpose. God uses suffering to refine us, to teach us, and to draw us closer to Him. This is evident in the story of Job, who underwent incredible suffering, but ultimately emerged with a deeper understanding of God's character and purposes. Similarly, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate example of suffering, endured the cross for our sins, demonstrating God's love and willingness to suffer for humanity.

Step 4: Recognizing the Complexity of Suffering

Suffering is complex and multifaceted, and it's not always easy to understand why God allows it to occur. Sometimes, suffering is a result of living in a sinful, fallen world. Other times, it may be a consequence of our own choices or actions. In some cases, suffering can be a means of discipline, intended to shape us and conform us to God's image. However, in all cases, we can be assured that God is working all things together for our good, as Romans 8:28 promises.

Step 5: Embracing the Mystery of Suffering

Ultimately, the question of why God allows suffering is a mystery that may not be fully understood in this life. Rather than trying to reduce God to human terms or subject Him to our moral judgment, we can choose to trust in His goodness and sovereignty. As the psalmist wrote, "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord, you hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." (Psalm 139:1-6)

Step 6: Finding Purpose in Suffering

Rather than trying to understand why God allows suffering, we can focus on finding purpose in it. We can use our suffering as an opportunity to draw closer to God, to trust in His goodness, and to reflect His character to a watching world. As the apostle Paul wrote, "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." (Romans 5:3-5)

Step 7: Conclusion

The question of why God allows suffering is complex and multifaceted. While we may not fully understand the reasons behind it, we can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. Rather than trying to reduce Him to human terms or subject Him to our moral judgment, we can choose to find purpose in our suffering and use it as an opportunity to draw closer to God. As we do, we can emerge with a deeper understanding of God's character and purposes, and we can reflect His love and goodness to a world that desperately needs it.

The final answer is: There is no final numerical answer to this question. However, the answer is developed in the seven steps above.