Why does God permit suffering?

1. The Nature of God’s Creation

God’s work in forming the universe is described as “very good” (Genesis 1:31). The Scriptures affirm that the original design He set forth reflected perfect harmony between humanity, the natural world, and the Creator. Archeological studies in Mesopotamia have underscored particulars of ancient life that align with Genesis accounts—these findings give us confidence in the historical context. Such harmony was intended to showcase the goodness and glory of the One who made it all.

Yet, while the creation exhibits astounding order, beauty, and evidence of design throughout geological and biological systems—seen in the complexity of living cells, DNA, and the fine-tuning of cosmic constants—suffering nonetheless appears as a stark reality in the world. To understand why suffering exists, the Scriptures direct us to foundational truths about humanity’s moral choices and the entrance of sin.

2. The Introduction of Suffering: The Fall

According to Genesis 3, suffering originates with humanity’s rebellion against God’s command (Genesis 3:17–19). This passage recounts that Adam’s choice of disobedience ushered in physical decay, conflict, and ultimately death. The text conveys that before sin, there was no death or sorrow in creation.

Manuscript evidence, including comparisons of the Masoretic Text with the Dead Sea Scrolls, shows remarkable fidelity of transmission in these chapters of Genesis, supporting their reliability. This textual credibility emphasizes that the introduction of suffering was not arbitrary; it was a direct result of turning from divine instruction.

3. Biblical Examples of Suffering

Scripture does not shy away from the reality that even godly individuals encounter hardships:

• Job’s Trials: The book of Job (Job 1–2) recounts intense suffering that was permitted in order to reveal Job’s integrity and deepen his understanding of the Almighty’s sovereignty. Archaeological finds in the region of ancient Uz (often associated with areas east of the Jordan) support the cultural distinctives described in the book.

• Joseph’s Hardships: Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery (Genesis 37:12–36), Joseph later realized how God used his trials to preserve many lives (Genesis 50:20).

• Paul’s Infirmities: The Apostle Paul faced “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities” (2 Corinthians 12:10), acknowledging them as opportunities for God’s power to be showcased.

In each case, suffering does not nullify God’s goodness; rather, these narratives demonstrate that trials can refine faith and highlight divine purposes that will later be fully revealed.

4. The Purpose and Good That Can Come from Suffering

Scripture often shows that God can use suffering to accomplish His will:

• Refining Faith: First Peter 1:7 teaches that trials test one’s faith “as fire refines gold” to bring praise and honor.

• Promoting Humility: Hardships can draw a person to rely upon God rather than one’s own strength (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).

• Forming Character: Romans 5:3–5 sets forth that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, reinforcing a steadfast trust in God’s promises.

Behaviorally, from a scientific perspective, individuals can experience positive growth (post-traumatic growth, as it is sometimes called) through painful experiences. Philosophically, it addresses questions of meaning and can point us toward an eternal perspective rather than a purely material one.

5. The Role of Free Will

The Scriptures depict humanity as moral agents who can choose to honor or reject divine instruction. This capacity for choice is a foundational element in understanding why suffering exists:

• Adam and Eve’s Decision: Their choice to disobey introduced the fall (Genesis 3:6).

• Ongoing Consequences: Wars, injustices, and forms of personal suffering often arise from moral evil—wrongdoings committed by individuals or institutions.

• Love’s Necessity: Genuine love requires the freedom to choose God over evil. Without free choice, love would be forced, contradicting the portrait of genuine relationship God desires with humanity.

6. Divine Compassion Amidst Suffering

Despite the reality of suffering, Scripture affirms that God is compassionate:

• Jesus’ Earthly Life: He demonstrated empathy, wept at the death of Lazarus (John 11:35), and healed many (Matthew 15:30–31). These accounts are documented in manuscripts attested by early fragments such as Papyrus 52 and other credible evidences.

• God’s Nearness: Psalm 34:18 states, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.”

• Redemptive Suffering: On the cross, Jesus willingly embraced suffering. This event, supported by ancient historical attestations including Roman records and early Christian martyr accounts, reveals not only an ultimate demonstration of love, but a path by which suffering can be redeemed for a greater purpose.

7. Future Hope and Restoration

Scripture teaches that suffering is not the final word. A time awaits when all wrongs will be set right:

• Resurrection of Christ: The resurrection stands as a historical linchpin attested by multiple sources (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). This event reassures believers that physical death and suffering are not the end.

• Eternal Restoration: Revelation 21:4 proclaims, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” This future promise underscores God’s ultimate plan to eradicate suffering completely.

• Confidence in God’s Plan: While life in a fallen world experiences numerous difficulties, the Scriptures consistently point toward a final reconciliation of creation.

8. Conclusion: Trusting God in the Midst of Suffering

The question of why God permits suffering cannot be answered by a single cause or a simplistic platitude. Scripture, however, provides a consistent testimony that suffering entered the world through humanity’s fall, continues through moral evils and natural consequences, yet is ultimately met by the God who is near to the brokenhearted. Throughout history, textual evidence and archaeological discoveries affirm the reliability of these biblical teachings and support the Scriptural assertion of God’s sovereign goodness.

Those who turn to Him find that trials can deepen faith, refine character, and point us to the eternal hope secured by the resurrection of Christ. Far from being forgotten in pain, the faithful are offered His presence and a steadfast promise that, in His time, all things will be restored and every sorrow removed.