Why Does God Allow Suffering and Evil in the World?
Suffering and evil are among the most difficult questions people face. The Bible does not ignore pain, injustice, or tragedy, nor does it offer shallow explanations. Scripture addresses suffering by revealing who God is, what has gone wrong in the world, and how God works through hardship.
Rather than presenting easy answers, the Bible provides a framework that acknowledges real suffering while affirming God’s sovereignty, goodness, and ultimate purposes.
1) God Is Sovereign Over All Things
Scripture teaches that God rules over all creation. Nothing occurs outside His knowledge or authority, even when events are painful or difficult to understand.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (KJV)God’s sovereignty does not mean that all events are good in themselves, but that God works purposefully through all things to accomplish His will.
2) The Reality of Human Sin
The Bible traces suffering and evil back to humanity’s rebellion against God. Sin introduced disorder, death, and corruption into God’s creation.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 5:12 (KJV)Much suffering is the direct or indirect result of sin—human choices, broken systems, and a fallen world that no longer functions as God originally designed.
3) God Uses Suffering for His Purposes
Scripture teaches that God uses suffering to accomplish purposes that extend beyond immediate comfort. Trials can expose sin, produce endurance, and deepen trust in God.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
James 1:2–3 (KJV)The Greek word related to “trying” reflects testing that proves genuineness. Suffering is not meaningless; God uses it to shape character and refine faith.
4) God Is Not Distant From Suffering
The Bible reveals that God is not detached from human pain. In Jesus Christ, God entered a world of suffering and experienced it firsthand.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)Christ’s suffering demonstrates that God understands human pain and that suffering does not indicate abandonment by God.
5) God Promises Final Justice and Restoration
Scripture looks beyond present suffering to a future restoration. God promises a day when evil will be judged and suffering will end.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4 (KJV)This promise assures believers that suffering is temporary and that God’s purposes will ultimately be made clear.
Conclusion
According to the Bible, God allows suffering and evil within a fallen world, yet remains sovereign, good, and purposeful. Scripture does not deny the pain of suffering, but it points to God’s presence, His work through hardship, and His promise of final restoration.