CHAPTER ELEVEN: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Has God caused the suffering in the world?

What issue was raised in the Garden of Eden?

How will God undo the effects of human suffering?


AFTER a terrible battle  in one war-torn land, the thousands of civilian women and children who had been killed were buried in a mass grave surrounded by markers. Each marker bore this inscription:  "Why?" Sometimes that  is the most painful question of all. People ask it sadly when war, disaster, disease, or crime takes their innocent loved ones, destroys their home, or brings them untold suffering in other ways.  They want to know why such tragedies befall them.

Why does God allow suffering?  If Jehovah God is all-powerful, loving, wise, and just, why is the world so full of hatred and injustice?  Have you ever wondered about these things yourself? 

Is it wrong to ask why God allows suffering? Some worry that asking such a question means that they do not have enough faith or that they are showing disrespect for God.  When reading the Bible, however, you will find that faithful, God-fearing people had similar questions.  For example, the prophet Habakkuk asked Jehovah:  "Why is it that you make me see what is hurtful, and you keep looking upon mere trouble? And why are despoiling and violence in front of me, and why does quarreling occur, and why is strife carried? -Habakkuk 1:3.

 Did Jehovah scold the faithful prophet Habakkuk for asking such questions?  No. Instead, God included Habakkuk's sincere words in the inspired Bible record. God also helped him to get a clearer understanding of matters  and to gain greater faith.  Jehovah wants to do the same for you. Remember, the Bible teaches that "he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) God hates wickedness and the suffering it causes far more than any human does.   (Isaiah 55:8,9)  Why, then, is there so much suffering in the world?

Next time: Why Does God Allow Suffering?/WHY SO MUCH SUFFERING?

From the book: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH?