This is a deeply significant question and one that many have wrestled with throughout history. But let us not rely on human reasoning or emotions to answer it. We must turn to God’s Word, which is truth (John 17:17), and let it shape our understanding.
1. There Are No Truly “Good” People Apart from Christ
Jesus said in Mark 10:18,
“No one is good—except God alone.”
From a human point of view, we may consider someone “good” because they are kind, generous, or moral. But the Bible teaches that:
“There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10).
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
So when we ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” the underlying assumption is flawed. According to Scripture, we are all sinners who deserve judgment. The real marvel is not that bad things happen to “good” people—but that any good happens to any of us at all, considering our rebellion against a holy God.
2. Suffering Exists Because of Sin
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world—and with it came suffering, death, and pain (Genesis 3). This fallen world is now under a curse (Romans 8:20-22), and as a result, we all suffer in various ways.
Suffering is not always a direct punishment for personal sin, but it is the result of a world that is broken because of humanity’s rebellion.
3. God Uses Suffering for His Glory and Our Growth
For the believer, suffering is never meaningless.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
This doesn’t mean everything feels good—but God uses even painful things to shape us into the image of Christ. Consider Joseph: betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned unjustly. Yet he later said:
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)
God uses trials to:
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Refine our faith (1 Peter 1:6–7)
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Produce perseverance and character (Romans 5:3–5)
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Teach us to depend on Him (2 Corinthians 1:8–9)
4. Look at the Cross
The greatest example of suffering happening to a truly innocent person is Jesus Christ. He was perfect, without sin, and yet He suffered more than any human ever has—betrayed, mocked, beaten, crucified.
“It pleased the Lord to bruise Him…” (Isaiah 53:10)
Why? For our salvation.
The cross reminds us that God is not distant from our pain. He entered it. And through Christ, He offers forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.
5. There Will Be Justice
Sometimes we think the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer unfairly. But the Bible assures us:
“God is not unjust” (Hebrews 6:10)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4)
There will be a day when every wrong is made right, and those who trust in Christ will rejoice in His eternal presence. This world is not the end of the story.
6. Here is a Bible Study Plan to guide you into a deeper understanding of how God uses trials for His glory and your sanctification.
📖 Bible Study Plan: Suffering and God’s Purposes
🔹 Week 1: Understanding the Origin of Suffering
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Genesis 3:1–19 – The Fall and the entrance of sin and suffering into the world.
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Romans 5:12 – Through one man, sin entered the world, and death through sin.
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Romans 8:20–22 – All creation groans under the curse of sin.
🔍 Reflection: How does understanding the origin of suffering shape your view of life’s hardships?
🔹 Week 2: God’s Sovereignty in the Midst of Suffering
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Job 1–2 – God’s control even over Satan’s attacks.
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Isaiah 45:7 – God forms light and creates darkness, makes peace and creates calamity.
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Romans 8:28–30 – God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
🔍 Reflection: What does it mean to trust God's plan even when you can't see the outcome?
🔹 Week 3: Suffering as a Tool for Spiritual Growth
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James 1:2–4 – Count it all joy when you face trials; they produce maturity.
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1 Peter 1:6–7 – Tested faith is more precious than gold.
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Romans 5:3–5 – Suffering produces endurance, character, and hope.
🔍 Reflection: How is your character being shaped through current or past trials?
🔹 Week 4: The Suffering of Christ and Our Hope
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Isaiah 53:3–10 – The Suffering Servant who bore our sins.
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Hebrews 4:15–16 – Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses.
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1 Peter 2:21–24 – Christ suffered, leaving us an example.
🔍 Reflection: How does Christ’s suffering give you perspective and comfort in your own?
🔹 Week 5: Final Restoration and Eternal Glory
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Revelation 21:1–5 – God will wipe away every tear.
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2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – Our light affliction is producing an eternal weight of glory.
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Romans 8:18 – Present sufferings are not worth comparing to future glory.
🔍 Reflection: How does hope in eternity affect your endurance now?
