Is God the source of my pain and suffering? This question has perplexed both believers and skeptics alike. I’ve struggled with this question recently. At the time I was thinking of writing this article, I was unwell, and all the pain, exhaustion, and discomfort that comes with being sick made me wonder why I was going through all these. Was it because of some sin I committed that has made God punish me with this sickness? Perhaps you’re also struggling with this question, you’re either hungry, sick, lost a loved one, discouraged, or guilty, to mention a few. And you’re wondering, “Is God the author of my pain?” or “Is my pain a result of my sin?” These are valid questions, and I believe we can find answers in the word of God.
Jesus faced this question head-on. Sometimes in subtle ways but sometimes, like in the book of John 9:1-12, in direct tones. A discussion ensued one day when Jesus was walking with His disciples. They met a man who was blind from birth. However much the disciples were accustomed to Jesus’s healing miracles, this time they wanted to know the hand of God in all these. So one of the disciples asks Jesus rather abruptly, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Is he responsible for his suffering, or someone else is?
Jesus gives a potent answer. That “neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in Him.” But what did He mean, “but that the works of God should be revealed in Him.”? In this scene, Jesus was up against a group of four people. The disciples sought an explanation for individual suffering, this man’s neighbors had seen a miracle happen and were curious to know the ‘how’ behind it. How could he give sight to the blind? The skeptics saw the miracle but did not want to accept the “Who” behind the miracle. And finally, there was the man himself. He had experienced the transformation firsthand and was somewhat overwhelmed by the implication of it all. His conversation with Jesus left him with no doubt that He was not just a healer but also a transformer of hearts.
The origin of evil, pain, and suffering.
Jesus’ answer goes deeper not only to answer the pain of the human heart but also to help us understand the depth of evil, pain, and suffering. The Biblical worldview 1 is the only one that accepts the reality of evil, pain, and suffering while giving both the cause and the purpose, while also offering God-given strength and sustenance in the midst of it. So where did it all begin?
In the beginning, God created a perfect world. The Bible tells us that “God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) But then came the temptation and the fall of man (Genesis 3) and at this point evil, pain, and suffering are introduced into God’s creation. Because of the existence of evil (Satan), our first parents became disobedient to God’s law and the result of it was the introduction of pain and suffering.
But a skeptic would ask why God could not have made us always choose good. This question gives a false view of what God’s omnipotence means. You see, God cannot do that which is mutually exclusive and logically impossible. God, for status, cannot contradict His character. God is love. (1 John 4:16) He is not just loving; He is Love. Love, on the other hand, necessitates freedom and freedom comes with risks. A man proposing to a lady at gunpoint would not expect unconditional love from the lady but rather a conditioned response or self-serving.
Jean-Paul Sartre, in Being and Nothingness, says:
The man who wants to be loved does not desire the enslavement of the beloved. He is no bent on becoming the object of passion, which flows forth mechanically. He does not want to possess an automaton, and if we want to humiliate him, we need try to only persuade him that the beloved’s passion is the result of a psychological determinism. The lover will then feel that both his love and his being are cheapened…. If the beloved is transformed into an automaton, the lover finds himself alone.
Jean-Paul Sartre
I find this quite insightful. Love imposed ceases to be love. Having the freedom to love when we could choose not to love gives love its legitimate meaning. God is not a dictator. He gave the angels this freedom but Lucifer chose self-serving and iniquity was found in His heart. (Ezekiel 28:15) Here we see the introduction of evil. Our first parents were also given this freedom but they chose to disobey God. Here we find the introduction of pain and suffering. ( Genesis 3)
Conclusion
Yes, sometimes we can suffer because of the consequences of our sins and actions. But sometimes we suffer just because evil exists. But God did not introduce evil, pain, and suffering at any point. It is also important for me to conclude that not everything happens for a reason. Some things just happen because evil exists in the world. That did not happen to you because you deserved it. It didn’t happen because you needed to learn a lesson. There are lessons you can learn without experiencing pain.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10–13)
Trying having lifelong hereditary health problems that have destroyed your life and then tell me God is love. God is evil, pure evil. He is the source of all suffering on this earth. Try reading the bible instead of the just the gospels. God is a mass murderer. I was fooled into worshipping God by my parents and school, but I finally woke up.
Thank you for sharing your perspective and for being so open about your struggles. I can only imagine the weight of dealing with lifelong hereditary health problems, and I want to acknowledge the pain and frustration that must bring. It’s deeply human to wrestle with questions about suffering and God’s role in it, and I appreciate your honesty.
From what you’ve shared, it sounds like you’ve faced tremendous hardship. It’s not uncommon for people to question God’s love and intentions when life feels overwhelming and unfair. I believe those questions are valid and deserve a thoughtful response.
In my article, I explained that God is not the source of our suffering but rather the One who works to redeem and bring healing amidst it. The Bible portrays Satan, not God, as the origin of evil and suffering (John 10:10). Satan’s rebellion introduced sin into the world, and the consequences of sin include pain, disease, and death. But here’s the hope: God hasn’t left us to endure this alone. In His love, He sent Jesus to bear our burdens and ultimately defeat sin and death.
You mentioned that God seems like a mass murderer because of some stories in the Bible. I’ve wrestled with those stories too. What helped me is understanding that God’s actions, even when hard to comprehend, are rooted in His justice and love. He is grieved by evil and sin more than we can imagine. In Ezekiel 33:11, God says, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” His ultimate goal has always been to restore and save, not destroy.
It’s hard to understand why God allows suffering, but I’ve found peace in knowing that God doesn’t waste pain. The Bible tells us that He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and offers hope for a future without pain or sorrow (Revelation 21:4). This promise doesn’t erase the struggle, but it reminds us that suffering is not the final chapter.
I hear the hurt in your words, and I want you to know that God sees you and loves you, even in the midst of your pain. Jesus Himself experienced unimaginable suffering, and He understands what you’re going through (Hebrews 4:15). You don’t have to “wake up” to love a God who delights in deceiving; instead, you can find a God who longs to comfort and heal.
I encourage you to share your frustrations and doubts directly with God. He’s not afraid of our questions or anger—He invites them. David, in the Psalms, often cried out to God in frustration and grief, yet he found peace in the assurance of God’s unfailing love.
If you’d like, I’d be happy to continue this conversation. My prayer for you is that, even in the darkness, you’d encounter the God who brings light and hope.