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Hi there and welcome back to Van Life Devotions. We see pain and brokenness everywhere — war, persecution, cancer, depression, anxiety, and violence. Naturally, many people ask: If God exists, why does He allow suffering?
Philosophers, theologians, scientists, and ordinary people have wrestled with this question for centuries. While there is no simple answer, there are some perspectives.
One explanation is that suffering exists because God has given humanity free will. Philosopher Richard Swinburne wrote, “The first reason why there is suffering is because God has given free will to people and that's a blessing, but the suffering is an unfortunate consequence of the blessing.” Genuine love and meaningful choices require freedom. Tragically, people often misuse that freedom, leading to violence, war, discrimination, and oppression. Many Christians argue that if God eliminated all suffering immediately, He would also eliminate the freedom that allows genuine love and meaningful moral choices."
A second perspective is that our world is broken. The Bible begins with God creating a world that was “very good”(Genesis 1–2), free from sin and suffering. But human rebellion in Genesis 3 introduced pain, hardship, and death into the world. Since then, humanity has experienced the effects of a fallen world, including broken systems and injustice.
Third, the Bible teaches that God does not remain distant from human suffering. Christians believe God entered human history through Jesus Christ, helping the vulnerable and ultimately giving His life to save humanity from sin. Throughout history, God has also raised up people to help those who cry out to Him in times of suffering and hardship.
Finally, the Bible points to a future hope. Revelation 21 describes “a new heaven and a new earth” where God “will wipe every tear from their eyes” and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
We may not understand every reason for suffering, but suffering itself does not disprove God. Christians believe that in His goodness, God gives humanity freedom in a broken world, grieves with us in our pain, and promises ultimate restoration.
David Moyes
