Why the Innocent Suffer: Finding Hope and Redemption in Christian Faith

Innocent Suffering

Suffering is a universal experience that affects all people to some degree. While some suffering may be a consequence of personal choices or sinful actions, there are instances where innocent individuals endure hardship. This raises the question: why would God allow innocent people to suffer? In addressing this issue, it is important to understand that suffering does not necessarily equate to personal sin or guilt.

The Misconception of Sin and Suffering

It is natural for humans to seek a connection between bad behavior and negative circumstances, as well as between good behavior and blessings. However, Jesus confronted this misconception on multiple occasions. In one instance, His disciples asked whether a man born blind had sinned or if his parents were to blame. Jesus corrected their thinking, stating that neither the man nor his parents sinned. Instead, Jesus explained that the man's blindness was an opportunity for God's works to be displayed (John 9:1–3).

In another incident, Jesus addressed the deaths of individuals who were killed in an accident when a tower fell on them. He dismissed the idea that these individuals were more guilty than others living in Jerusalem. Jesus emphasized that tragedy and suffering are not necessarily the result of personal sin. However, He also highlighted the reality of living in a fallen world where sin and its effects are present (Luke 13:4–5).

The Concept of Innocence

The notion of innocence becomes a complex matter when considering biblical teachings. According to Scripture, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Therefore, from a biblical perspective, no one is truly "innocent" in the sense of being sinless. Due to humanity's fallen nature inherited from Adam, all individuals are born with a sinful inclination (Romans 5:12). Consequently, suffering is an inevitable consequence of living in a fallen world where sin's effects permeate everything (Romans 8:22).

One of the most heartbreaking instances of suffering is when it affects children. Children represent a close approximation to innocence in this world, and their suffering is truly tragic. Sometimes, innocent children suffer as a result of the sins of others, such as neglect, abuse, or drunk driving. In these cases, the suffering is directly linked to personal sin, albeit not committed by the child. It serves as a reminder that our actions can have profound effects on those around us. Other times, innocent children suffer due to what may be considered "acts of God," such as natural disasters, accidents, or childhood cancer. Even in these cases, suffering can be attributed to sin in a general sense because we live in a fallen world.

The Redemption and Purpose of Suffering

While it may seem that innocent suffering is without purpose, God does not leave us to suffer aimlessly. He has a perfect plan to redeem and utilize suffering for His threefold purpose.

Drawing Us Closer to Him

Pain and suffering serve as catalysts that draw us closer to God. Jesus Himself declared, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Trials and distress are not unusual; they are an inherent part of life in a fallen world. In times of despair and sorrow, we naturally reach out to God for comfort and strength. As His children, we find that He is always there to comfort and uphold us through every trial. This experience solidifies our faith in His faithfulness and ensures our continual reliance on Him. Moreover, as we experience God's comfort during our own trials, we are then able to extend that same comfort to others who are suffering (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Why This Matters: Understanding that suffering can draw us closer to God provides hope and reassurance during difficult times. It reminds us that God is present even in the midst of our suffering and that He can use our pain to strengthen our faith and bring comfort to others.

Think About It: Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering or witnessed the suffering of someone close to you. How did that experience draw you closer to God or impact your relationship with Him? How were you able to extend comfort to others who were suffering?

Testing and Proving Our Faith

Suffering also serves as a means of testing and proving the genuineness of our faith. How we respond to suffering, especially when we are innocent of any wrongdoing, reveals the authenticity of our faith. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2), will not be crushed by suffering. Instead, they emerge from trials with their faith intact, having been tested by fire. This testing results in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:7).

Genuine faith does not lead individuals to question God's goodness or shake their fists at Him in times of suffering. Instead, it allows them to consider it pure joy because they understand that trials prove their status as children of God (James 1:2). Those who persevere under trial will receive the crown of life promised by the Lord to those who love Him (James 1:12).

Why This Matters: Recognizing that our faith is tested through suffering helps us understand that challenges and hardships are not indications of God's abandonment or punishment. Instead, they provide an opportunity for us to demonstrate the authenticity of our faith and ultimately receive eternal rewards from God.

Think About It: Reflect on a difficult time in your life when your faith was tested. How did you respond? How did your faith grow stronger as a result? In what ways might your faith be refined through future trials?

Shifting Our Focus to the Eternal Kingdom

Suffering can redirect our gaze from the temporal things of this world to the eternal kingdom of God. The Bible repeatedly exhorts believers not to become entangled in the affairs of this world but to fix their eyes on the world to come. While innocent suffering may impact this present life, it is essential to remember that this world and everything in it will pass away. The kingdom of God, however, is eternal. Jesus affirmed that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Those who follow Him understand that the circumstances of this life, whether good or bad, do not have the final say. Even the most terrible sufferings endured here cannot compare to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Why This Matters: Recognizing the temporary nature of suffering enables us to maintain an eternal perspective and find hope in God's promises. It reminds us that our ultimate destiny lies beyond this world and that our suffering is not in vain.

Think About It: Consider how your perspective on suffering might change when you focus on the eternal kingdom of God. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life, especially during times of suffering?

God's Good Purpose in Suffering

While it is within God's power to prevent all suffering, He assures us that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, KJV). This includes innocent suffering, as it forms part of the "all things" that God uses to accomplish His good purposes ultimately. We can trust in God's perfect plan and flawless character, knowing that He will not disappoint those who place their trust in Him.

In conclusion, innocent suffering exists in a fallen world where sin's effects are pervasive. However, God can redeem and utilize suffering for His purposes. He uses suffering to draw us closer to Him, test and prove the authenticity of our faith, and shift our focus from the temporary to the eternal. Understanding these truths can provide comfort, strengthen our faith, and help us persevere in the face of suffering.