"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
— Romans 8:28 (KJV)
God doesn't promise to explain every 'why,' but He promises to redeem every 'what' for those who trust Him.
Six philosophical and theological frameworks for understanding
The classical formulation: If God is all-powerful, He can prevent evil. If God is all-good, He wants to prevent evil. Yet evil exists. How do we reconcile this?
The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. (Psalm 145:17)
Application: Acknowledge the emotional weight of this question. Don't minimize suffering with quick answers.
God gave humans genuine freedom to choose love or reject it. Love requires freedom. Freedom makes evil possible. A world with free love is better than a world of programmed robots.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve. (Joshua 24:15)
Application: God values freedom so highly that He allows the possibility of evil rather than forcing goodness.
Suffering develops character, virtue, courage, compassion—qualities impossible in a world without challenges. Heaven is the destination; earth is the training ground.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. (Romans 5:3)
Application: Ask: Would I rather be a shallow person in paradise or a deep person shaped by struggle?
God didn't explain evil from a distance—He entered it. Jesus suffered betrayal, torture, abandonment, death. God knows pain firsthand.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are. (Hebrews 4:15)
Application: Christianity's answer isn't philosophical—it's a crucified God who suffers with us.
God can bring good out of evil. Joseph's brothers meant evil, but God meant it for good. The cross—history's worst evil—became history's greatest good.
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)
Application: Trust that God weaves even tragedy into a larger redemptive story we can't yet see.
Without God, there's no objective evil—just preference. Atheism can't ground moral outrage. The very act of protesting evil assumes an ultimate standard of good.
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves. (Romans 2:14)
Application: The problem of evil is actually evidence FOR God—it proves an ultimate moral law exists.
Philosophy helps the head; these truths help the heart. Here's how to apply biblical wisdom when suffering hits personally.
Lament is biblical. Jesus wept. God invites honest grief. Don't rush to 'move on.' Cry out to God—He can handle your anger.
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1)
Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' wasn't removed, but God's grace was sufficient. God's presence sustains when He doesn't explain.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Job's friends spoke truth but lacked compassion. Presence matters more than answers. Sit with sufferers. Weep with those who weep.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (Romans 12:15)
God doesn't owe us explanations. Trust His character when you can't see His purpose. The question shifts from 'Why?' to 'Who is with me?'
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)