Why does God allow suffering?

Draft, under review

Scripture does not give one tidy answer. It gives several strands that hold together: a good creation broken by sin (Gen 3), God's sovereign purposes that bring good even through evil (Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28), the reality of mystery (Job 38–42; Deut 29:29), and a God who enters suffering Himself and will end it (Heb 2:14–18; Rev 21:4). Each stage below draws on those same strands at a different depth.

Shown: New believer · Tell us where you are

New believer

God is not the author of evil, and He is not indifferent to your pain (Ps 34:18; Jas 1:13). Suffering came into the world through sin (Rom 5:12). But your particular suffering is not necessarily a punishment for your particular sin (John 9:1–3; Luke 13:1–5). God promises that He works through everything for the ultimate good of the people who love Him (Rom 8:28), which does not mean every thing is good. Jesus Himself suffered (Heb 4:15), so you can bring your pain to Him honestly (Ps 62:8). One day He will end all crying and mourning (Rev 21:4).