Why Do Good People Suffer?

The cause of, the reason for, and the blessing in suffering

by Tom Bunting

for the Ocala Central Church of Christ Summer Series, August 11, 2004

Remember – Not only good people suffer. It happens to all, good people and bad people. Bad things happen to both and good things happen to both.

Suffering shows no respect of persons. It strikes rich or poor, old or young. Suffering can come to anyone at any time. We hear every day about someone who is suffering. People are often troubled about these events and we wonder “Why?” Usually, we think it is just curious until it strikes close to home, self, family or friends. Then we begin to ask, “Why me?” “Why my family?” “How could this happen to me?”

These are all natural questions. I suppose just about everyone has thought about it and wondered. Many have speculated as to the answer, but (like Job’s friends) they don’t have the answer. It is only speculation. The Bible gives us the answer! It doesn’t tell us the specific cause of each individual’s suffering, but it explains the causes and reasons.

I. The cause (Who or what?)

            A. God.

                        Many people are quick to blame God.

                        Could God do it? Yes.

                        Has He the power to? Yes.

                        Examples:       Judges; 2 Sam. 24:15 “The Lord sent pestilence . . .”

                                                2 K. 23:26 “. . .Lord turned not from the fierceness. . .wrath. . .”

                                                Lev. 10:1-2 – Nadab

                        But God is not the only possibility! There are others.

            B. Self.

                        Self-inflicted, either intentional or unintentional.

                        It may well be our own fault, we may have caused it.

            C. Others. Consider Stephen in Acts 7:57-58

                        More examples of others causing bad things to happen: Paul, Peter, James

                        Many have suffered at the hands of others.

                        Suffering caused by others can be premeditated or accidental.

            D. Nature. Read John 9:2

                        Jesus lays the blame on no person or intelligent being.

The infirmity may be purely an act of nature. I suspect that nature is often the cause of suffering, such as in birth defects, storms, lightning, floods, etc.

            E. Satan.

                        Job 1:12 “...is in thy power...”

                        Woman. Lk. 13:16 “...whom Satan hath bound...”

                        Paul. 2 Cor. 12:7 “...a messenger of Satan...”

  (When it comes to the cause, do not assume that God is the only possibility. There are at least four others. Accusing God probably comes from the false teaching of Calvinism).

II. The reason (Why?) Each cause has its own reason.

            A. If God, why would God do this?

                        In most cases God had nothing to do with it.

                        God as the cause is highly unlikely.

                                    Mt. 7:9-11 God gives good gifts!!

                                    Jas 1:17 “...every good and perfect...”

                                    If God is the cause, then it is for our own good. Heb. 12:5-11

            What good can come from this?  Each individual suffering will have his own peculiar blessings.

            A.  Requires greater trust in God.

                    Satan knew this.  Job 1:9-12

                    Dan. 3:17-18

                    2 Cor. 12:8 -- Now where else to turn.  Must accept God's verdict.

            B.  Contributes to development of spiritual characteristics.

                    Patience -- Jas. 1:2-3

                    Humility -- 2 Cor. 12:7  "...lest I be exalted..."

                    Spiritual strength -- 2 Cor 12:9-10

            C.  Can make me a more effective teacher.

                    In what way?

                    1.  Better understanding of those in any trouble.  2 Cor. 1:3-4

                    2.  Deeper appreciation for those who suffer.  Rom 12:15 (not superficial)

                    3.  Can be more convincing because:

                        a.  "Life isn't fair."  Bad things do come to good people (Job and Paul).  God is fair.

                        b.  Uncertainty of life.  Jas. 4:14

                        c.  Admonish to "use what you have."  Rom. 12:7-8; 1 Cor. 12:22-23

Conclusion:  Who or what caused the bad thing to happen is insignificant.  The reason it happened is also of little importance.  Irrespective of what kind of tragedy you suffer, God wants you to use it for good.  When you do, it becomes a blessing to you and you become a blessing to others.