Why do good people suffer?

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This is the question of the ages. There are different definitions of  “goodness.” The standards we use define our answers.

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Man’s way

If they use their own human standards, defined by their cultures, or personal value systems, then I cannot give them an answer. Because then, their suffering might actually have no meaning or value. It becomes a senseless, purposeless waste of human soul. It may, or may not, accomplish anything. Sometimes suffering leads to death, and then all we have is a lost life. We can have whole populations that die.  It is just an event in history, that may, or may not, shape future events.  But for those that died, it has no value.

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God’s way

Only if we follow God’s standards for holiness, can we hope for an answer and an outcome that can convert the suffering into something we can eventually draw meaning from. There is a future, a reward, and an end result that is greater than, and overcomes, the actual suffering. If we walk in the flesh, meaning we may be believers, but we allow ourselves to be influenced by worldly standards of behavior, then we merit nothing. If we do something wrong, we will suffer the consequences. If we repent, then things can turn around for us.

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We can suffer for different reasons (if following God’s way):

1. We are witnesses for the gospel of Christ, and we are opposed

2. We, as believers, make the mistake of getting “in the flesh,” and create negative circumstances, which lead to negative results. Repentance and seeking God for help, and forgiveness brings healing, spiritual growth, and understanding. Suffering in the flesh can be good for us, because the flesh will die, and the spirit can be strengthened.

For example, we may suffer for loosing our tempers. If we experience a horrible result, or loss, from this, then we will associate pain with anger, and we will be less likely to loose our tempers again. If work becomes our God, and we get fired, or betrayed, suddenly the work world is less appealing, and we will keep our spiritual priorities in order, better in the future. The cause of the suffering is sin, but the punishment helps to purge our flesh, and make us want to avoid the sin in the future.

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

3. We are involved in daily activities (not related to ministry or the gospel) with other people, who oppose us, and hurt us. If we conduct ourselves according to Christian principles, and behave as Christ would want us to behave, we may suffer for awhile, but the opposition is there to develop our character and faith. We are not actively ministering the gospel here, but our actions speak about what we believe, louder than words, and can make an impact on the general situation.

4. We are rejected, in general, as a Christian by unbelievers. In the last days, good will be called evil, and evil will be called good. Religious persecution is common in non-Christian countries, especially under Muslim or Communist rule.

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5. We can be opposed, and rejected, by believers through misunderstandings.

6. Powerful acts of God, through nature, can bring threats or damage to our lives. A good example is Hurricane Katrina. These are wake up calls, NOT to the federal government for help, but to GOD Himself. If one places their faith in man, they will be disappointed. If one places their faith in God, they will somehow make it. When faced with possible death, one’s true character, and relationship with God, comes to the surface.

We must not fool ourselves in thinking that we are so close to God, that there is no room for improvement. We must seek God at these times, and place our trust in Him. Maybe it is our time to die, but maybe it isn’t either.

7. A fallen world and its problems affect us. Disease, defective manmade objects which are not safe (example old bridges, defective machines), human error (example car accidents), evil or incompetent governments, pollution, high prices, food shortages, etc. God is not doing this to us. We are just in circumstances which can injure us.

8. A direct, or indirect, attack by Satan, or demonic forces. In this case, we must put on the whole armor of God, submit to God, and resist the devil, and he will flee from us. The support of others is best, but sometimes we have to face this alone, to tear down and rebuild us into better servants of God. It can be a lonely situation. But in our patience, we will possess our final reward for overcoming the enemy.

9. In case of death, the good have been saved from a more evil time, where they would have lost their souls to that evil.

10. A direct test of faith for the believer, to bring them to a higher level, and an opportunity for God to show his power in their lives.

11. Prayerlessness. Since this is a fallen world, and attacks can come at any time, prayer is essential to ask for divine protection and blessings. If we neglect to maintain a strong connection with God in our daily lives, then this weakens our protection, as well as our own ability to respond well in a negative event. Staying close in prayer, and in the Word of God, is our defense. Then, we can use the Word as a spiritual sword to fight our circumstances. Once a week, at church, is not enough.

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Do not be surprised at suffering

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1Pe 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

1Pe 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

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How do we respond?

1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity [love] among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

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Humility, and total abandonment of self to the will of God.

1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle [you].

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Set your eyes on the prize

Our true rewards are in heaven, not here. If we happen to experience a reward here, then it is just for us to use to glorify God, and serve Him. We must never give ourselves the credit for blessings. All good things come from God, and with God’s help, even attacks of the enemy can be converted into good results. .

When you have done everything you can do, just stand firm in your position with God, be patient, trust God, behave according to God’s rules, and go forward in confronting the problem.

We must learn to be tested, and suffer, so that our flesh will die, and the spirit can be purified.

We cannot expect to share in the joy of Christ’s resurrection, unless we also share in the fellowship of His sufferings.

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You will know you have been purified (out of the flesh), when all you can feel is God’s pain, and not yours.