Why Do Good People Suffer? - What the Bible Says

Suffering is not punishment from God.

On the contrary, much of it is random-often, a matter of someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"The swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all." -ECCLESIASTES 9:11.

Note: And who do you suppose causes all these unexpected events?  SATAN. Think about it.

Our sinful nature contributes to suffering.

People often use the word "sin" to refer to a bad act that someone commits.  However, the Bible also uses it to describe a condition that all humans -good and bad-have inherited.

"I was born guilty of error, and sinful from the moment my mother conceived me." - PSALM . 

Note:  The reason we sin is because of Satan.  He will get into our heads and try to make us sin against God, because that is his way of us worshipping him and he will take what he can get to anger God against us. 

Sin has had a devastating effect on humans

It has not only damaged our relationship with our Creator but also put us out of harmony with the rest of God's creation.  That has resulted in enormous suffering, both to individuals and to the human race as a whole.

"When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me." - ROMANS 7:21.

"All creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together." - ROMANS 8:22.

Why Do Good People Suffer?

Much of our suffering results from our sinful nature, which both good and bad people have inherited.   That sinful nature contributes to physical and mental disorders as well as traits that cause people to harm one another.

Note: That trait is the so-called Satan. As I said before, he gets into our heads and does his worse. And there is no one on this earth can tell me any different. Just think, and look around.  No one is born with the idea to maim or to kill just for the heck of it. That my dear readers is SATAN.

Is this what God intended?

Next time: Were We Meant to Suffer?

From the jw.org publications