At the beginning of human history, Adam and Eve sided with Satan. Consider just one: It is often people who cause suffering to others. Why Does God Allow Suffering? The Bible promises that all disasters and tragedies will soon be gone forever. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The Bible provides a satisfying and comforting answer. Soon Jehovah will use his Son to “break up the works of the Devil.” (1 John 3:8) Under God’s direction, Jesus will mend broken hearts and restore shattered lives. Consider three important Biblical truths related to this matter. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Soon, Jehovah will bring all human government to an end. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/ct/0d8540a603/images/cvr_placeholder.jpg. 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. The resurrection of Jesus is an example of God’s victory over the works of the Devil​—a token of what is to come for humans who choose God’s rule. (Ecclesiastes 7:29; 8:9) After 6,000 years of human history, the evidence is clear. What do you think? Those who study the evidence and believe it have the opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to be ruled by God. God didn’t intend for humans to suffer. SOMETIMES a person asking the question “Why?” seeks comfort as well as answers, for when the question springs from severe loss, there is a great need for solace. Jesus, who always did the Father’s will, is our perfect example (John 4:34; Heb. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502018850/univ/art/502018850_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/fg/E/wpub/fg_E_lg.jpg. TERMS OF USE Why does God allow suffering? (Acts 17:31) The Bible directs our thoughts to that time to come with these comforting words: “God himself will be with [mankind]. Why now? Copyright © 2021 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Why would a powerful and loving God allow suffering, evil and death? “Far be it from the true God to act wickedly!” states the Bible. God is not the cause of human suffering. Until then, ask Him to show you how He may be using suffering for your good. Life Without Suffering—A Trustworthy Promise. If God is all-powerful and all-loving, then why does He allow evil and suffering in the world? Satan wreaks havoc on human society in profound ways. Every belief system has to account for suffering in some fashion or another. What is the inescapable conclusion? Ever since his first contact with humans, Satan has been a murderer and a deceiver. The Christian faith makes sense of the rawness we feel in the face of suffering because it says there is something WRONG with the world. On Nov. 21, 1980, when the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas burned, survivors were brought into the Convention Center, where our Crusade meetings were being held. TERMS OF USE That … This article raises questions you may have asked and shows where you can read the answers in your Bible. How and when will he do this? 9 Jehovah never causes suffering. “God is up in heaven where everything is pleasant, while we are down here suffering.” —Mary. Or He is all good but He is not all-powerful, therefore He can’t stop evil. Each of us knows firsthand what it means to suffer as a result of … So for God to remove a major cause of suffering, he will have to destroy such people. Good News From God! Many think God is to blame for all the suffering in the world. Why Does God Allow Suffering? What is God doing? Would you like to read this article in %%? Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering? Suffering is not in itself virtuous, nor is it a sign of holiness. The former things have passed away.”​—Revelation 21:3, 4. If God does not cause suffering, why does he allow it? Let us imagine that a Witness named Michelle has come to the home of a woman named Sophia. THE WATCHTOWER February 2008. If God can prevent such tragedies, why does He allow them to take place? They made themselves his children by acting like him. Watch the video Why Does God Allow Suffering? That position he will never relinquish. Would you like to read this article in %%? —Read Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 9:17. For example, they write: “God is not responsible for bad things that happen to people; nor d… To show that no effort to rule without him benefits people. Jesus called Satan “the ruler of the world.” True, Jehovah is the Universal Sovereign. Things are not as they should be. THE WATCHTOWER February 2008, Share Why Does God Allow Suffering? Why? THE WATCHTOWER February 2008, Audio download options How so? Share He will resurrect back to life on earth billions of humans who have suffered and died over the centuries.​—John 11:25. This is a question that has baffled people for generations and I am going to give you a great theological answer right now: I don’t know. But suffering is not just a problem for Christians. The curious, as well as the critics of Christianity, ask this question. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (commonly known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses”) teaches that God does not have a purpose or will at work in individual events of suffering or tragedy. Evil began on earth when Satan told the first lie. ALL of us make deliberate choices. True, for now, Satan has the world in his evil grip. As we are conformed to His image, we will increasingly learn to obey God (Rom. The purpose of this post is not to attempt a theodicy, that is, a defense of why God allows suffering. 15:32). Really, in the long run, God’s allowance of time has been for man’s benefit. 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