How can a loving God allow so much suffering?

This is a brief answer to the question, "How can a loving God allow so much suffering?" If you've ever asked that question, try listening to this quick answer.

Here are the notes for this question:

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“How can a loving God allow so much suffering in the world?”

 

Intro: This is possibly the question that is most asked to Christians by non-Christians. Even though it’s so commonly asked, it takes only a brief consideration to see why God allows things the way that He does; and you’ll see that you would want it to be that way yourself, because it is the best possible arrangement. Let’s consider the question logically Take a moment to consider the fact that the character of God has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not He exists. I don’t “not believe” Hitler ever existed just because he was an evil man. Understand that God’s character or actions have nothing to do with whether or not He exists. Thanks be to God that He isn’t evil though. He is perfect in love, righteousness, holiness, power, might, and mercy. It is only those who know nothing about God, or who just love their wicked ways, that ever accuse God of evil. Those that know Him willfully give their lives for Him, and those that hate Him will have theirs taken away in the end anyways. All men have to deal with God personally, and as Jesus Himself said, “He that is not with me is against me.” (Matthew 12:30) You cannot blame God for man not doing what God commanded him to do. God has given commandments to men and most refuse to obey Him. Every evil in the world today would be fixed forever if man simply obeyed God; because every evil is the result of sin. Sin is the transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4). Every commandment of God is given for our good (Deu. 5:29). When man violates God’s law it cannot result in anything but evil. Even nature itself is waiting for God to restore all things to the way they were originally before man rebelled against God (Romans 8:19-22). Fornication results in STDs. Pornography leads to lust, adultery, rape, etc. Envy and wrath result in murder. Selfishness results in many evils, and the love of money will drive a man to any wickedness: men are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. God has made man upright, but he has sought out many inventions (Ecc. 7:29). You cannot hold God accountable for that which He commanded man not to do. The next question that naturally comes is, “Why does God then allow these violations of His law to continue un-dealt with?” First thing is: it is seemingly un-dealt with. The Lord has promised that wicked men would not live out half their days (Pro. 10:27). Sin will cut your life short. Secondly, if God dealt with all men the very first time they broke His law according to the penalty of the law: no one would ever be forgiven and all mankind would go to Hell. If you break God’s law then the full weight of the wrath of God falls on you, but not until the appointed time (Heb. 9:27). Nothing is hid from the sight of God, and every violation will be punished. The punishment of breaking God’s law is death. (Rom. 6:23) Violators (sinners) will be judged (Rom. 14:12), and cast into God’s eternal prison (Rev. 21:8). Mercy and Longsuffering But the Lord is merciful and is not willing that any man should perish (2 Pet. 3:9). God has made a way for man to be reconciled to Him. Man can be forgiven of past violations of God’s law, and be declared justified before God. God sent His Son Jesus of Nazareth to live a perfect sinless life on earth that He might take the wrath of God upon Himself so that He could reconcile all who would turn from sin to faith in Him to God the Father. The Judge of all the earth can make you blameless in His sight by looking on the payment paid by another: Jesus Christ. Your part is to acknowledge your sins (as God defines sin), turn from them (put them away for good), and put your faith in Jesus Christ to make you right with God the Father. That means obeying His commandments. Closing I hope this has helped you understand better why God allows certain things to happen: If God didn’t prolong His judgment no man could ever be forgiven because he would never be given the chance. The longsuffering of God is what makes salvation possible. I hope you won’t despise the goodness of the Lord. If you want a more detailed explanation of the Gospel, please listen to our episode, “What is the Gospel?”