Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
RC Sproul was once asked the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” His answer was, “That only happened once, and He volunteered.” Sproul was absolutely correct, yet this question often comes from the cry of an aching heart seeking meaning in the midst of pain.
Let's explore four biblical truths that shed light on this challenging topic.
1. Our definition of good is limited.
It's vital to understand that our idea of good is often incomplete. Scripture teaches that no human is perfectly righteous according to God's standard. Even our best deeds can be tainted by wrong motives or incomplete love.
Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick. Who can understand it?” This highlights how easy it is for us to think we're morally pure when we're actually not. It also reminds us that our view of who is good isn't as complete as God's.
2. We live in a world broken by sin.
When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God in the garden, suffering and death entered the world. Think of it like a cracked windshield: you can still see through it, but everything is warped. Tornadoes, disease, and pain are all symptoms of a world estranged from its Creator. Although this may sound bleak, it also reminds us that pain is a temporary intrusion, not our eternal destiny.
3. God is sovereign and good.
You might still wonder: why does God allow it? Well, the Book of Job offers a striking narrative. Job was called blameless, yet he suffered immeasurably. He lost family, health, and possessions. And God did not give him a neat, tidy explanation. Instead, He revealed His sovereignty and wisdom, essentially saying, “I am God and you are not.”
Sometimes suffering is beyond our immediate understanding. Yet Scripture assures us that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him. In fact, one of those good purposes God accomplishes in our lives is the strengthening of our faith.
1 Peter 1:7 describes trials as a fire that tests the genuineness of our faith, resulting in praise and glory at Christ's return. Therefore, our trials, though painful, can shape us into the likeness of Jesus, deepen our trust in God, and develop perseverance in our hearts.
4. The cross is our lens.
Finally, as we think back to that quote from R.C. Sproul, the greatest key to this topic is found at the cross.
Jesus Christ, truly good in every sense, endured the worst kind of suffering imaginable. He was betrayed, beaten, crucified, and forsaken. Then, worst of all, He experienced the wrath of our sins placed upon Him. The crucifixion of Christ is the most wickedly evil act that has ever taken place in the history of humanity. Yet His undeserved suffering brought about the greatest good, the salvation of sinners for the glory of God.
As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
So, when we struggle with the question, Why do bad things happen to good people?, we can look to the cross and remember that God Himself entered our sinful world to save us. The cross reminds us that suffering is not meaningless. While we may not always grasp the why of every painful event, we can hold fast to the One who has promised to wipe away every tear. And within that promise, we find both comfort for the present and hope for a future where all sorrow will be eclipsed by everlasting joy.