Introduction
The question of why God permits evil and suffering is a question of the ages. Early in our development, mankind wondered how evil and suffering could exist in a world created by a perfect God. In answer to that question, we were given a simplified explanation that satisfied early man. However, when Jesus appeared on earth, his ministry created a new dilemma. He explained that our God is not only perfect, but He is a God of Love, even the very personification of love. (1 John 4:8) And if He is love, He is pure goodness. Consequently, the elementary doctrines given to man in his early stage of development are no longer satisfactory to modern thinking man, especially to the faith sons of God who are developing spiritual vision and insight. We are now faced with the challenge of harmonizing a God of Love with the reality of evil and suffering.
Yet such a harmonizing is not difficult. But it does require that we first understand what evil is, and how evil differs from sin and iniquity. When we have reached that plateau of understanding, the eternal purpose of the Father becomes sharper and clearer in our minds. Our self dignity is elevated and we find peace in our temporal existence on earth. God is love. (1 John 4:8) God is good. (Luke 18:19) And man is His most prized possession.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
– John 3:16
