If God is a loving God why is there so much evil?
This is one of the most pondered questions both by people who believe in God and those who don’t. It really is a good question… If there is a loving God up there, why do people still die of cancer? Why do people get diseases? Why is rape still going on? What about human trafficking? The list goes on and on. The question remains the same: If God is all powerful and loving why doesn’t He stop these things? Why doesn’t He just put a stop to all the evil in the world and bless us if He is really both all powerful and loving? The answer to this question, I believe, lies within God’s character; His righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) and love (1 John 4:8). You might be thinking, “How can the answer to all the painful things in the world be found in these two character traits?” Please let me explain. God hates sin. He does not want us to suffer the consequences of it which is clearly demonstrated in Jesus Christ, who died on our behalf. You might say, “Why doesn’t He put a end to sin instead of just making atonement for it through the blood of Jesus Christ?” Well there is coming a day that the Lord says He will stop all sin and destroy it. But first, He wants to give us the chance to be separated from it through Jesus Christ so that we won’t be destroyed with the sin. You might think, “Well I am not as bad as a murderer or rapist or something of that sort so why doesn’t God just destroy them? God’s word tells us that He is righteous and just. We think that a lie is not near as bad as killing somebody, but the fact is that either one of those makes you a sinner and capable of all other kinds of evil. So God is faced with a decision He could destroy everyone. Or, He can allow sin to continue for a time. You might say “If God is going to destroy all evil and sin then what is He waiting for? That’s where the love of God comes in. I know what you’re probably thinking, “That sounds stupid! It’s because God loves me that He allows all this evil in the world? The answer is yes. The Bible says that God is long suffering and that He doesn’t want any to perish, but He wants all to inherit eternal life (2 Peter 3:9). You see, if God destroyed sin right in the beginning than He would have had to destroy all the sinful people. But God knew that although many people would be exceedingly wicked, there would also be some people that would recognize the evil, in this world and in their own lives, and turn from it (repent), and be saved by the power of Jesus Christ. If God would have destroyed sin, He would have had to annihilate the human race! And we would not exist. Iinstead, in His mercy and grace He planned to redeem it. I’m really thankful that God is patient and long suffering otherwise I would not be here and neither would you. I hope this answers your question and that instead of wondering why God allows evil to continue maybe you will thank him for waiting to give you the chance to be saved.
