Why would a good God, allow Evil?

The question of why a good, all-powerful God would allow evil and suffering in the world has been pondered by philosophers and theologians for centuries. One common explanation is the concept of free will. According to this belief, God gave humans the freedom to make their own choices, and as a result, evil and suffering exist in the world because people choose to do harm to others and engage in evil actions.

Another explanation is that suffering serves a greater purpose, such as helping individuals to grow and mature in their character, or bringing people closer to God. Some hold that suffering can bring about spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

It’s also worth considering that we live in a finite world, and that our understanding of the world and God’s actions is limited. Some believe that the reasons for suffering may be known to God, but are beyond our comprehension. This places high importance on the place of the sovereignty of God. 

It’s important to note that when affronted with the question of evil and suffering in the world, a logical answer is not what most people are looking for. Evil and suffering is a universal experience of people, so often the most impactful response we can make on behalf of Jesus is to kindly ask: “can I ask what is behind the asking of that question?” That way you can apply a heart response when needed, rather than a conceptual response – and provide an answer that is both emotionally and intellectually satisfying.