Why suffering exists

Even in Bible times, faithful people asked why there was so much wrongdoing, violence, and oppression. The answer shows that God cares and that he is not the cause of suffering.

Many religions say God planned every tragedy, but the Bible does not teach that. It shows that Satan is the real ruler of this world and that his lies have led people into hatred, cruelty, and fear. Human sin has added to the pain, because people often harm one another, fight for power, and go to war.

Why God allows it

Satan challenged God’s right to rule. Adam and Eve accepted that lie, and the results have been clear ever since. God allowed time to show whether humans could govern themselves without him, and history has answered that question. Human rule has not brought lasting peace, justice, or safety.

What God will do

God has not ignored suffering, and he has not given up on the earth. He will repair the damage, raise the dead, remove sickness and death, and end what Satan has done. He has also shown patience so people can learn about him and choose his way.

Your choice

God gave us the gift of free will. We can use it to serve him, reject Satan’s ways, and look forward to life in his new world.

Summary

. Jehovah does not cause suffering

Jehovah is not responsible for war, crime, abuse, or disasters. People suffer for many reasons, including sin, selfish rule, bad timing, and living in a troubled world. He cares about people and wants to help them.

. Satan challenged Jehovah’s right to rule

Satan claimed that Jehovah was holding back something good and that humans could decide right and wrong for themselves. He put that challenge before the angels, so the issue had to be settled properly.

. Satan’s challenge has failed

Human history shows that people cannot govern the earth well without God. Jehovah has allowed time for that fact to become plain, and soon, He will use Jesus to remove all the harm caused by Satan’s rebellion.

. Use your free will to serve Jehovah

Animals act mainly on instinct, but people can choose whom they will serve. Jehovah wants all people to serve him out of love, and that is the best use of free will.