Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

One of the most frequently asked questions of Christians is, "If God is a God of love (1 John 4:8; John 3:16) then why does He allow bad things to happen to good people?" It's a good and important question and as always we'll find those answers to those tough questions in His Word.

Let us start off by saying we're truly sorry for any affliction you or a loved one may be enduring. Whatever your hurt today, it's understandable that you may feel abandoned, in despair, hopeless, and miserable. Your feelings are very, very real – the problem is that they are not always right or true. God does love you and there is a purpose and a plan in all of this.

He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3); He numbers the hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30); His thoughts of you are more numerous than the sand (Psalm 139:17-18); He writes your name on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16); you are the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8); He captures your tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8).

Then why are these bad things happening to me when I'm a good person?

The best starting point to answer that question is, Are people "good"? The Bible is very clear on this: "There is only One who is good (God)" (Matthew 19:17); "There is none who does good, there is not even one." (Romans 3:12); "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). (See also Romans 3:9, Jeremiah 17:9, I John 1:8)

And the wages (payment) of our sin is death – eternal punishment and separation from God (Romans 6:23). All of us "deserve" to suffer immeasurable sorrow for falling short of God's standard of Holiness. James 2:10 tells us even if we keep the whole law and yet stumbled in just one point, we become guilty of all and deserve punishment and death.

So, in summary, none of us are good and none of us deserve God's love and blessings, yet He desires to extend them to those who will follow His Son – Jesus. If that's the case, then why do bad things happen?

1. Primarily because of man's sin. Man is constantly doing and saying things that hurt himself and others (murder, gossip, rape, abuse, war, etc). Even natural disasters are a result of man's fall (Genesis 3:17). So why doesn't a loving God stop this? He could, but to do so He would have to eliminate all of us because all of us have done bad things; or he would have to take away our ability to make choices in life and we would become nothing more than robots – programmed to act and react only in certain ways. Would any of us really want to be nothing more than robots? I think not. In addition, when we, out of our hearts, "choose" to climb upon our heavenly Father's lap and say "I love you", and "choose" to follow and obey Him, it brings enormous joy to Him (as it would even with most earthly fathers).

2. Jesus frequently uses difficult and hard times to shape and mold us into better people. James 1:2-4 tells us these hard things produce "endurance" and help make you "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing", and Romans 5:3-5 says they bring about "perseverance, proven character and hope that does not disappoint." Just as an athlete endures hard things to help him to be the best he can be – so must we, if we want to win in this game called life.

3. Jesus uses difficult and hard times to discipline us – to get our attention so He can move us from "harms way" and back into His perfect plan, provision and protection for our lives. Hebrews 12:7-11 tells us, "He disciplines us for our good." (Also check out Psalm 119:67-68, and 71-72.)

4. Jesus allows difficult and painful times to accomplish the greater good. Our heavenly Father, allowing the horrible and painful beating and crucifixion of Jesus, appeared at the time as wrong, unfair, like God had abandoned His Son. But man would be lost in his sin, condemned to eternal damnation, if Jesus hadn't endured this. Because He died, we who put our faith in Him, live (John 3:16). His death brought about this "greater good." We've seen hundreds come to know Jesus and have the assurance of eternal life through the death of young Christians in our area. Those who died are far better off – they have no tears or sorrow (Philippians 1:21). Even though we miss them terribly, we will see them again one day if we know Jesus. The Lord uses these times to bring their friends and family to salvation. What a wonderful gift to leave behind -- knowing that your death saved so many friends and family from eternal suffering.

5. Jesus uses difficult and painful experiences to comfort others with the comfort He has comforted us (II Corinthians 1:4). So often our greatest trials and even failures become our calling in life. After Jesus comforts and heals us, we dedicate our lives in helping others to find that same comfort and healing. A wonderful Christian lady in our area lost her young, vibrant son to a battle with cancer. Since then, she and her husband have brought enormous comfort and healing to hundreds who have suffered "from similar circumstances." Remember, Romans 8:28 tells us "God causes all things to work together for the good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose." Frequently our greatest hurt, even our greatest failure, turns into our greatest triumph and accomplishments as we turn to Jesus and allow Him to lead us out of death and despair into being more than a conqueror.

We hope this helps you understand a little better where Jesus is in all of our suffering – right by us, looking to help us through the hurt and sorrow so frequently visited upon us by the wrong choices we and others have made. So turn to Him and let Him help you and heal you in your times of trouble.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good. How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." (Psalm 34:8)

Monty W. Sharp (ks:3/09)