Why Do Good People Suffer? –
The question of why good people suffer
has been one of the most profound and troubling questions throughout human history. It challenges our understanding of life, God, and the world. People often ask, “If God is good and loving, why do innocent and righteous individuals experience pain, tragedy, and suffering?”
This question isn’t new, and it has been asked for millennia by people from various cultures, faiths, and worldviews. Even the Bible, the source of much of our understanding of God, doesn’t shy away from addressing the reality of suffering.
In this article, we will explore why good people suffer, seeking answers from a biblical perspective while also considering deeper theological insights.
1. Suffering is Part of a Fallen World
The Bible clearly teaches that suffering entered the world because of sin. Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” The first sin, committed by Adam and Eve, disrupted the perfect creation that God had made. Since then, suffering, disease, death, and pain have been a part of the human experience.
God’s creation was originally good, but because of the fall, the world became imperfect, and all of humanity experiences the consequences. Even the righteous are not exempt from the struggles of living in a world tainted by sin.
2. Suffering Can Strengthen Faith
One of the reasons good people experience suffering is because it can deepen and strengthen their faith. The Bible is full of examples of people whose faith was tested by suffering. Consider the story of Job, a man who suffered incredible loss and pain. Job’s story raises the question: Why do the righteous suffer? In Job 1:1, we are told that Job was “blameless and upright.” Yet, he experienced tremendous suffering. His faith, however, was refined through this suffering, and by the end of his trials, Job had a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and his own faith.
James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Suffering has the ability to refine us, making us more resilient and helping us grow in character and trust in God.
3. Suffering Teaches Us Compassion
Suffering is not only a means to strengthen our own faith, but it also enables us to empathize with others who are in pain. God uses our personal trials to teach us compassion and the ability to comfort others in their suffering. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Through our struggles, we can relate to others who are hurting and offer them the same comfort and encouragement we received from God. Suffering often gives us a deeper connection with others and a greater capacity to help them through their own pain.
4. Suffering Helps Us Focus on Eternal Hope
Suffering in this life can also remind us that this world is not our ultimate home. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” The Bible reminds us that there is an eternal perspective on suffering. Our struggles in this life, though painful, are temporary. They pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits believers in Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:17 echoes this truth: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Our suffering gives us the opportunity to fix our eyes on God’s promises for the future, where pain and death will no longer exist.
5. Suffering Can Lead to a Closer Relationship with God
Sometimes, suffering serves as a catalyst for a deeper relationship with God. When we experience pain or loss, we may find ourselves turning to God in ways we never would have in times of ease. In Psalm 34:18, the psalmist writes, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God is near to those who suffer. He doesn’t abandon us in our pain; instead, He draws us closer to Himself.
For some, it is through suffering that they experience the profound depth of God’s presence and grace. The Bible speaks of the comfort God provides in our suffering, especially in our weakest moments, when we are most aware of our need for Him.
6. Jesus’ Own Suffering Shows Us That Pain is Not Unjust
The ultimate answer to the question of why good people suffer is found in the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the only perfect person to ever live, suffered unimaginable pain—betrayal, ridicule, torture, and death. He endured these trials, not because of any sin He committed, but to fulfill God’s plan for salvation.
In Isaiah 53:3, the prophet says, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” Jesus, though innocent, experienced deep suffering, showing us that suffering is not inherently unjust, even for the righteous. Through His suffering, He brought salvation to the world.
Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus understands our pain, saying, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Jesus’ suffering enables Him to relate to our struggles, and it also shows that suffering can have a greater purpose in God’s plan.
7. Suffering Ultimately Leads to Glory
Finally, the Bible teaches that our suffering will one day be replaced with glory. We may not understand all the reasons why we suffer in this life, but we can take comfort in knowing that our suffering is not in vain. Romans 8:28 tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Though we experience hardship in this life, the glory that will be revealed to us in the next life far outweighs any temporary suffering. Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Conclusion
The question of why good people suffer remains one of the most challenging inquiries of the human experience. While we may not have all the answers, we do know that suffering is a reality in this fallen world, and God uses it to strengthen our faith, teach us compassion, focus our attention on eternity, and draw us closer to Him.
If you are experiencing suffering today, know that you are not alone. God sees you, He understands your pain, and He is with you in the midst of your trials. Let us trust in His ultimate plan for our lives, knowing that suffering in this life will eventually give way to eternal glory with Him.
Call to Action
If this article has helped you, please like, share, and comment below. Let’s continue to reflect on the mysteries of suffering together and find hope in God’s promises. Grace to Gospel – Finding Hope in Suffering
