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**EDWARD D. ANDREWS** (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 200+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

The question of whether God is to blame for our suffering is a complex one that has been debated for centuries. Many people have wrestled with this issue and have struggled to understand why there is so much pain and suffering in the world, especially if God is all-powerful and loving.

The Bible offers some insight into this issue, and it is clear that suffering and evil are not God’s will for humanity. In fact, the Bible teaches that God is good and just and that he does not cause suffering. However, this does not mean that God is not involved in our suffering or that he cannot use it for a greater purpose.

The book of Job in the Old Testament is a prime example of this. Job was a righteous man who loved God and followed his commandments, yet he suffered greatly. He lost everything he had, including his children, and was afflicted with painful sores all over his body. Job’s friends believed that he must have sinned and that God was punishing him for it, but Job maintained his innocence and continued to trust in God.

In the end, God spoke to Job and revealed that he was not punishing him for his sins but that there was a greater purpose for his suffering. God used Job’s suffering to teach him and to demonstrate his own power and sovereignty. Job’s faithfulness in the midst of his suffering was an example to others and ultimately brought him greater blessings than he had before.

Similarly, the New Testament teaches that suffering can be used for good. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul writes, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

WHY GOD? The Problem of Evil and Suffering?

The apostle Peter also wrote about the role of suffering in the life of a believer. In 1 Peter 4:12-13, he says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

These passages show that allowing suffering for an object lesson can be used for good, but they do not explain why there is suffering in the first place. The Bible teaches that suffering and evil entered the world because of sin. In Genesis, we read about the fall of humanity when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This disobedience resulted in sin and death entering the world, and it is the root cause of all suffering and evil.

However, while sin is the cause of suffering, it does not mean that every instance of suffering is directly caused by sin. Jesus himself addressed this issue in John 9:1-3 when he encountered a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus replied, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

In other words, Jesus is saying that not every instance of suffering is directly caused by sin, but that God can use it to display his power and bring about good. This does not mean that God is the author of suffering or that he causes it, but rather that he can use it for a greater purpose.

It is important to note that while God can use suffering for good, he is not indifferent to our pain. The Bible teaches that God is compassionate and merciful and that he cares deeply about our suffering. In fact, Jesus himself experienced profound suffering on the cross, and he understands our pain in a way that no one else can.

Foreknowledge and Free Will: Exploring a Bible Difficulty

Moreover, the Bible promises that there will be an end to suffering. The book of Revelation speaks of a time when God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. (Revelation 21:4) This is a wonderful hope that can sustain us through the darkest of times.

In the end, it is clear that God is not to blame for our suffering. While he allows it to happen, he does not cause it, and he can use it for good. Moreover, he cares deeply about our pain, and he has promised to bring an end to suffering once and for all. In the midst of our suffering, we can find comfort in these truths and in the love and compassion of our Heavenly Father.

God is INDIRECTLY responsible for SOME things and DIRECTLY responsible for OTHER things

In Conclusion

The question of whether God is responsible for our suffering is a common one that has led many people to reject him. Some religious leaders have taught that natural disasters, death, and wars are a result of God punishing or taking sides. However, the Bible teaches that God is not the cause of our suffering and that such teachings may misrepresent his nature.

The Bible describes God as just, righteous, and upright, with all of his ways being justice. He is incapable of doing wrong, and he does not pervert justice. Therefore, it is unthinkable for him to act wickedly or to cause our suffering. Moreover, God rejects religion that misrepresents him, including those that blame him for suffering and those that promote violence and warfare.

Jesus denounced religious hypocrisy, warning that not everyone who claims to know God truly does. Some will prophesy, expel demons, and perform many powerful works in God’s name, yet Jesus will declare to them that he never knew them. Thus, it is crucial to understand God’s true nature and teachings, as misrepresentations can lead to false beliefs and unnecessary suffering.

It is important to note that while God does not cause suffering, he can use it for good. Suffering can teach us valuable lessons and help us grow stronger, and God can comfort and support us through it. However, God is not indifferent to our pain, and the Bible teaches that he is compassionate, merciful, and deeply cares about our well-being.

In the same way that a rebellious son cannot blame his father for the negative consequences of his own choices, we cannot blame God for our suffering. Just as a responsible father raises his children and provides for them, God has created a world that is abundant with resources and goodness. However, just as some children may rebel and make self-destructive choices, humans have the freedom to make choices that can lead to negative consequences, such as suffering.

It is important to note that while God can use suffering for good, he is not the cause of it. The Bible teaches that God is compassionate and merciful, and that he cares deeply about our pain. In fact, he is often described as a loving father who comforts his children in their distress.

Furthermore, the Bible also warns against blaming God for our suffering. In the book of Job, Job’s friends suggested that his suffering was a result of his sin, and that God was punishing him. However, God himself rebuked them for their false assumptions and reminded them of his true nature: “It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!” (Job 34:10, ASV).

Ultimately, we must take responsibility for our own actions and the consequences that come with them. We cannot blame God for our suffering, but we can turn to him for comfort, guidance, and strength to overcome it.

In conclusion, the idea that God is responsible for our suffering is a misrepresentation of his nature and teachings. While suffering can serve a purpose, it is not something that God desires for us. Rather, he is a just and righteous God who rejects religion that misrepresents him and deeply cares about our well-being. It is essential to understand and seek the truth about God’s nature to avoid false beliefs and unnecessary suffering.