Why does God allow injustice and suffering to persist? Overview Why does God allow injustice and suffering to persist? This question has challenged many throughout history. Scripture addresses why hardship and pain exist, though the subject involves deep spiritual truths that often transcend simple answers. Below is a comprehensive discussion, drawing from biblical teachings (quoting from the Berean Standard Bible) and related perspectives on how injustice and suffering fit into God’s plan. 1. God’s Sovereignty Over Creation In the very beginning, Scripture affirms that the world was made through the powerful, purposeful act of God. Genesis 1:1 declares: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This creation was designed good and harmonious. However, God’s sovereignty does not preclude a measure of freedom within His creation. God’s rule involves both control and care. Psalm 115:3 states: “Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.” Yet, this authority is exercised with justice and love (Psalm 89:14). This foundation is essential: we trust that God’s ways—though sometimes hidden—are always rooted in His character, which is both perfectly just and perfectly loving. 2. The Entrance of Sin and the Human Will Human free will was embedded in creation from the start. God made people in His image (Genesis 1:26), granting them the capacity to choose. In Genesis 3, humankind’s choice to rebel against God (the Fall) unleashed sin, which introduced moral corruption, suffering, and injustice into the world. Romans 5:12 underscores this direct connection: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned.” Here, the injustice and suffering that plague humanity result not from God’s failure but from the misuse of the freedom He graciously gave. 3. The Purposes of God in Allowing Suffering Though injustice and suffering seem to stand in tension with the goodness of God, Scripture highlights purposes behind why such difficulties are permitted: 1. Moral and Spiritual Growth The epistle of James reveals that trials can strengthen faith: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2–3). Adversity shapes character and encourages dependence on God. 2. Demonstration of Divine Mercy and Justice Through suffering, God’s compassion shines. In Exodus, the oppression of Israel in Egypt sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power and deliverance (Exodus 3:7–8). Temporary injustice allowed for a future display that God is both just and merciful. 3. Manifestation of God’s Glory Jesus taught that certain hardships may serve a higher purpose we do not fully grasp. When asked why a man was born blind, Jesus said it was “so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). Even deep suffering can be used for God’s glory in ways we only partly understand. 4. Biblical Examples of Injustice and God’s Response Scripture is filled with accounts of suffering individuals and communities. These accounts demonstrate that God never ignores injustice; He orchestrates events to produce redemptive good: 1. Joseph Sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph faced false accusations and imprisonment. Ultimately, God raised him to authority in Egypt to save many (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s story highlights that God can weave good from evil. 2. Job A righteous man who lost wealth, family, and health, Job eventually learned the vastness of God’s wisdom, even as the reasons for his trials initially remained hidden. Job 42:2 says: “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” 3. The Suffering of Prophets Prophets like Jeremiah endured persecution for speaking truth (Jeremiah 20:2). God often works redemptively through the suffering of His messengers to awaken others to spiritual truths, underscoring His consistent longsuffering and desire that people heed His call. 5. Christ’s Suffering and Redemption The supreme example of suffering for a redemptive purpose is seen in Christ’s crucifixion. Isaiah 53:5 foretells: “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities.” Jesus, though sinless, endured the greatest injustice on the cross, providing the ultimate solution to sin and death. The resurrection stands at the heart of this solution. 1 Corinthians 15:17 proclaims: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” By rising from the dead, Jesus defeated the power sin had over humanity. This event assures believers that God’s triumph over suffering is a reality. Through Christ’s own experiences of injustice and physical pain, He intimately identifies with our suffering and offers redemption. 6. The Role of the Church in Addressing Injustice God calls believers to confront evil rather than stand by passively: 1. Living Out Compassion Galatians 6:2 instructs, “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Christians are meant to display God’s love through acts of service and mercy, becoming instruments of His justice. 2. Proclaiming the Gospel The ultimate message is that salvation and ultimate justice come through Christ. As Paul writes, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Proclaiming this message involves caring for both physical and spiritual needs. 3. Seeking the Good of Communities Christians are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–14), meaning they should preserve what is good and illuminate dark places with truth. Whether it be advocating for the oppressed, providing relief in disasters, or standing against corruption, the church actively resists injustice in practical ways. 7. Future Justice and Ultimate Restoration Scripture promises a final resolution to all injustice. Revelation 21:4 assures: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” In God’s future kingdom, suffering, abuse, and evil will be forever eradicated. Knowing this future promise grants believers hope that present injustices are neither permanent nor ignored by God. Romans 8:18 emphasizes that “our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.” Though the world remains broken, God’s ultimate plan involves the restoration of all things. He will judge fairly, rewarding faithfulness and punishing wrongdoing (2 Corinthians 5:10). Conclusion: Living in Hope and Expectation Injustice and suffering persist as a tragic byproduct of humanity’s fall and the ongoing presence of evil. Yet, this broken state is not without purpose or resolution. God is actively involved, conducting human history toward a final restoration, even while allowing suffering for reasons tied to justice, redemption, and growth. Through Christ’s own suffering and resurrection, we see that God does not remain distant from human pain; instead, He entered into it, providing the means of ultimate rescue. Believers await a new era where God will right every wrong. Meanwhile, the church is called to follow Christ’s example, living compassionately and widely proclaiming hope. Though we may not fully understand every detail, Scripture consistently affirms that God will bring complete justice in His time. In the end, our solace and confidence rest in His perfect character and unchanging promises, which assure us that suffering does not have the final word. |
    |