Why is there suffering in the world if God is good?

Suffering exists in the world not because God is not good, but because sin has corrupted what God originally created as perfect. The presence of evil, pain, and death is the result of mankind’s rebellion against God.

Genesis 1:31 says:

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.”

But after Adam and Eve disobeyed, sin entered the world, bringing death and suffering. Romans 5:12 explains:

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”

Suffering is the consequence of a fallen world. God did not create evil, but He allows it temporarily for the sake of free will, justice, and redemption.

Romans 8:22–23 tells us:

“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now… even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”

God uses suffering to accomplish His purposes:

To discipline (Hebrews 12:6)

To refine faith (1 Peter 1:6–7)

To draw people to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10)

To glorify Himself (John 9:3)

Even in pain, God is good. He is present with His people in suffering, and He promises to work all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Jesus Himself suffered greatly. Isaiah 53:3 calls Him:

“A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”

At the cross, God did not eliminate suffering, He entered into it, conquered it, and promised final justice and restoration.

Revelation 21:4 looks ahead:

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying… for the former things have passed away.”

Until then, believers are called to trust God, comfort others, and persevere in hope. His goodness is not disproved by suffering, it is magnified in how He redeems and sustains through it.

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