Is God responsible for our suffering?

                  

Bible view

 

 Some think that God is responsible for human suffering or that he is indifferent to human suffering.  But does the Bible teach that?  You may be surprised to know the answer.

 Is God to blame for our suffering?

 "God never does evil."  Job 34:12.

 What people say

 Some think that everything is God's will.  So they believe that God is responsible for our suffering.  For example, when natural disasters strike, they think that God is punishing sinners.

 What the Bible says

 The Bible clearly teaches that God is not to blame for our suffering.  The Bible, for example, says that when we face temptation, it would be wrong to say: “I am being tested by God.”  Why?  Because “God cannot be tested by evil, and he does not test anyone.”  (James 1:13) In other words, God is never the source of the trials we face or the suffering that results from them.  Doing so would be wicked, but “God is never wicked.” - Job 34:12.

 If God is not responsible for our suffering, who or what is responsible?  Sadly, people often suffer because of other imperfect humans.  (Ecclesiastes 6: 9) In addition, we may face various calamities because of “misfortune,” being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  (Ecclesiastes 9:11) The Bible teaches that “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil, is to blame for man's suffering because “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”  (John 12:31; 1 John 5:19) Hence, Satan, not God, is responsible for human suffering.

  Does God care about our suffering?

 "He was sorry for all their sorrows."  —Isaiah 73: 9.

 What people say

 Some think that God is indifferent to our trials.  For example, one writer describes this indifference as “a lack of compassion” for God.  This writer argues that if God really does exist, then he must be “absolutely indifferent” to humans.

 What the Bible says

 The Bible never portrays God as being merciless or indifferent, but as a God who is deeply saddened by our suffering and who will soon bring an end to all suffering.  Consider three comforting truths found in the Bible.

 God knows our suffering.  Ever since the beginning of human suffering, Jehovah * has been aware of the suffering of every human being, for his “eye” sees everything.  (Psalm 11: 4; 56: 6) For example, when his worshipers suffered persecution in ancient times, God said: “I am.  .  .  I have seen the suffering of my people. ”  But, did he just know about their suffering?  No, for he added: “I know their plight.  (Exodus 3: 6) Many have found comfort in knowing that God knows all of our suffering, even trials that others do not know or do not fully understand. Psalm 31: 7;  Proverbs 14:10.

 When we suffer, God feels it.  Not only does Jehovah God know about human suffering but he is deeply saddened by it.  For example, God suffered greatly when his worshipers faced trials in ancient times.  The Bible says: “He was sorry for all their distress.  (Isaiah 63: 9) Although God is much greater than man, he feels compassion for those who are suffering — as if he were feeling their own plight!  Truly, “the Lord [God] is merciful and gracious.”  (James 5:11) Moreover, Jehovah helps us to endure suffering. Philippians 4:12, 13.

 God will put an end to all human suffering.  The Bible says that God will end all human suffering.  Through his heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah will bring about a perfect change in the human condition.  The Bible promises that God will “wipe out every tear from their eyes.  And death shall be no more;  There will be no more mourning or groaning or pain;  Because the first thing is all gone. ”  (Revelation 21: 4) What about those who have already died?  God is their God