When People Ask: “Why Does God Allow Evil?”
5 min read.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the question, “Why does God allow evil in the world?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the oldest, deepest, and most personal questions people ask about God and faith.
When we see suffering, injustice, or heartbreak, it can shake even the strongest believer’s faith. But the Bible does not shy away from this question — and neither should we.
In this post, we’ll explore what Scripture says about evil, why God allows it, and how we can live boldly in our faith despite the darkness around us.
What Do We Mean by “Evil”?
When we ask why God allows evil, we’re really asking: Why is there suffering? Why does God allow sin, pain, injustice, and brokenness? Why doesn’t He just stop it all right now?
The Bible describes evil in two main ways:
- Moral evil — the choices people make that bring harm (lying, stealing, violence, injustice).
- Natural evil — the suffering caused by a broken world (disease, disasters, death).Both kinds of evil trace back to one reality: we live in a fallen world.—Why Did God Allow Free Will?
One of the clearest answers comes down to the concept of free will. God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27), not as robots, but as beings with the ability to choose.
Without free will, there can be no real love. But with free will comes the possibility of rejection.
Adam and Eve’s choice in the Garden of Eden opened the door for sin to enter creation (Genesis 3). Since then, every person has wrestled with sin — and the world bears the marks of that rebellion.
Yet God, in His love, didn’t abandon humanity. From the very beginning, He had a plan to redeem and restore.
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Why Doesn’t God Stop Evil Right Now?
It’s tempting to ask why God doesn’t simply erase all evil in the world. But here’s the deeper truth: to remove evil completely, He would also have to remove our freedom to choose.
Instead, the Bible shows us that God is patient: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
God’s patience means more people have the opportunity to turn to Him. Evil still exists now, but it will not have the final word.-
God’s Answer to Evil: The Cross
The ultimate answer to evil is not a theory — it’s a Person. Jesus Christ entered our broken world, suffered injustice, bore sin, and conquered death.
On the cross, we see that God does not ignore suffering. He Himself endured the deepest pain. He made a way for ultimate victory.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Through the resurrection, Jesus guarantees that evil is temporary and His kingdom will prevail.
How Should Christians Respond to Evil?
Knowing why God allows evil is only part of the question. The next step is: How should we live in response?
- Hold on to Hope
Evil is real, but it is not forever. Revelation 21:4 promises that one day God will wipe every tear, and there will be no more death or pain.
Biola University’s Good Book Blog explores the redemptive purposes behind suffering—perfect hope to lean into when the why feels overwhelming.
- Be a Light in the darkness
Jesus calls us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Every act of kindness, truth, and bold faith pushes back against darkness.
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- Share the Gospel Boldly
When people ask, “Why does God allow evil?”, it’s often an opening to share about God’s love, His patience, and His plan of salvation. These conversations can spark faith in someone’s life.
- Trust God’s Justice
Evil may seem unchecked, but Scripture assures us that God is just. Every wrong will be accounted for, every injustice made right.
Common Misunderstandings About Evil
Even Christians sometimes carry misunderstandings about suffering and evil. Let’s clear up a few:
“Evil means God isn’t good.”
The cross proves the opposite: God is so good, He entered into evil and suffering to save us.
“If I’m suffering, God must not love me.”
Suffering does not mean abandonment. Romans 8:38–39 assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
“Christians shouldn’t struggle with these questions.”
It’s natural — even biblical — to wrestle with hard questions. The Psalms are full of laments where people cry out, “Why, Lord?”. God welcomes our honesty.
Living Boldly Despite Evil
We can’t always control the brokenness around us, but we can choose to live with bold faith. That means:
Wearing reminders of God’s promises when fear creeps in. Speaking the name of Jesus with courage, even when the world pushes back. Surrounding ourselves with a community that builds faith, not fear.
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Final Thoughts
God’s Goodness Wins
The question, “Why does God allow evil?”, will never feel easy in the face of suffering. But the Christian hope is clear: Evil is real, but temporary.
God is sovereign, patient, and loving.
Through Jesus, victory over evil is already guaranteed. So while we wait for the day when God makes all things new, we live boldly, reminding the world through word and action that light always overcomes darkness.