Articles, Bible Questions and Discipleship Guides

Cindy asked:

“Do you feel God takes things from us, such as a loved one or a pet, as a punishment for something we have done wrong?”

One of the most challenging questions we face as Christians is why God allows suffering and bad things to happen. It's a question that has stirred debate among theologians, scholars, and believers for centuries. One common assumption is that suffering is always a result of personal wrongdoing. But is this necessarily true? Let's explore what the Bible teaches us on this subject.

Job: Examining Righteous Suffering and Divine Wisdom

The book of Job provides a powerful counterpoint to the idea that personal wrongdoing is always the cause of suffering. Job was described as a man who was "blameless and upright, who feared God and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1, ESV). Despite Job's righteousness, God allowed him to undergo intense suffering, including the loss of his wealth, children, and health.

Job's friends insisted he must have sinned to deserve such punishment. But God rebuked them for this perspective (Job 42:7). Job's story is a stark reminder that righteousness doesn't exempt us from suffering and that suffering is not always a direct consequence of personal sin.

Jesus Christ: The Paradox of the Innocent Sufferer

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived a sinless life yet endured immense suffering. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of innocent suffering. As stated in 1 Peter 2:22 (ESV), "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth." Yet, Jesus was crucified, bearing our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness (1 Peter 2:24). The suffering of Jesus was not because of His own sin, but for the sake of our salvation.

The Reality of a Fallen World and Its Impact on Human Suffering

We live in a fallen world, where sin has distorted God's original creation. This reality leads to suffering and evil that is not necessarily tied to individual actions. As Jesus explained in Luke 13:4-5 (ESV) when discussing those killed when the tower in Siloam fell, "Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Deciphering God's Purpose in Times of Suffering and Adversity

While suffering is a complex issue, the Bible assures us that God can use it for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28 (ESV) affirms, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This doesn't mean that all things are good, but that God can use even the bad things for a greater purpose.

Moving Beyond the Assumption: Suffering Beyond Personal Wrongdoing

In conclusion, while sin can lead to suffering, not all suffering is a direct result of our personal sin. The Bible provides ample examples, like Job and Jesus, of righteous individuals who have endured suffering. Suffering is complex, intertwined with the fallen nature of our world.

As Christians, we are encouraged to remember that God is sovereign, even in our suffering. Though we may not always understand His reasons, we can trust in His wisdom, love, and His promise to work all things for good. When we face suffering, our response should not be to search for a sin that caused it, but to draw closer to God, trusting in His steadfast love and faithfulness.