How could a good God
allow evil in the world?

by Struggling to understand

Rick Brentlinger Answers

This question implies that God is being mean, hateful and unfair by allowing evil in the world. This is not the situation at all.

The truth is, God did not create evil just to be mean. Instead, God made evil to be the result of sin. Now think about that for a moment.

God made evil to be
the result of sin.

God created human beings as free moral agents. We have the ability to make choices - some of our choices are good and some of our choices are evil. By allowing us the ability to make choices, including sinful, wrong, evil choices, it naturally follows that we must suffer the consequences of evil choices.

If God had not given us the ability to make choices (including evil choices), we could not be asking and answering your question about evil. Instead, we would be automatons, lacking a free will and incapable of asking or answering these questions.

You are absolutely right to wonder about evil in the world God created. Now the question is,

How do we respond to evil in the world?

The Bible equates lust with adultery (Matthew 5:27-28) and hate with murder (1 John 3:15).

1. Is murder evil? Yes or No?
   
   
2. Is adultery evil? Yes or No?

Have you ever had lustful thoughts? If so, according to Jesus, you have committed adultery, Matthew 5:27-28 and you have contributed to the evil in the world.

Have you ever hated anyone in your heart? If so, then according to 1 John 3:15, you are a murderer and have contributed to the evil in the world.

In Jesus Christ, God has provided a solution for the problem of evil in the world.

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