If God Loves Us, Why Do We Suffer?
This is a big question that many people grapple with. Here’s a way to think about it, using easy-to-understand ideas:
Imagine a Perfect World (Like a Giant Playground!)
Think of a giant playground with everything you could ever want: swings, slides, a giant ice cream machine! That’s kind of what God originally planned – a perfect world for us. (Genesis 1 & 2)
But There’s a Catch (Uh Oh, Broken Rules!)
Imagine someone breaking the rules on the playground, maybe drawing on the slides or taking someone else’s ice cream. In the Bible story, Adam and Eve made choices that upset the perfect world God created. (Genesis 3) This caused a ripple effect, bringing suffering and hardship into the world.
God Still Cares (The Loving Grown-Up!)
Even though there’s suffering, God doesn’t abandon us like a grown-up leaving a messy playground. He’s still there, offering his love and helping us through tough times.
- The Bible is full of stories of God rescuing people from suffering, like saving Noah from the flood (Genesis 6-8) or helping David defeat the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17).
- God also sent Jesus to show how much he loves us. Jesus suffered too, but his sacrifice offers hope and a chance for a new beginning. (John 3:16)
Why Doesn’t God Fix Everything Right Now? (The Big Plan!)
Imagine the grown-up on the playground has a bigger plan to make the playground even better than before. Maybe they’re adding a giant water park! We don’t always understand God’s plan, but we can trust that he has a good reason for allowing suffering.
- The Bible tells us that God is working everything out for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28).
Finding Comfort (Holding Onto Hope!)
Even though suffering stinks, here’s what can help:
- Talking to God (Prayer): Tell God how you feel and ask for his comfort (Philippians 4:6).
- Reading the Bible: The Bible is full of stories of people who overcame suffering and found hope in God.
- Talking to a Trusted Friend or Adult: Sharing your feelings can help you feel less alone.
Remember: God doesn’t cause suffering, but he uses it to make us stronger and bring us closer to him. Even in the toughest times, God’s love is there, like a steady hand holding you up. Keep trusting in him, and hold onto the hope that things will get better.
