Vital Signs: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Answering the Problem of Evil

“If God is so good, and God is so powerful, then why all the evil in the world?” is the most common question thrown at God-followers by those who refuse to place their trust in Jesus. So how do we answer the question?

1. Evil was not God’s original design.

When God created the world, everything was “very good.” There was no sin, death, pain, or suffering. Evil entered the world when humanity chose to rebel against God.

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” — Romans 5:12 (NKJV)

Much of the suffering we experience is the result of a fallen world affected by sin.

2. God gave mankind the freedom to choose.

Love cannot be forced. God created people with the ability to obey or reject Him. Tragically, people often choose hatred, violence, greed, and selfishness.

“…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life…” — Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)

Many of the world’s greatest tragedies are the consequences of human choices, not God’s desire.

3. God is not the author of evil.

Scripture makes it clear that God is holy and does not tempt anyone to sin.

“God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” — James 1:13 (NKJV)

Evil exists because sin exists—not because God delights in it.

4. God often allows suffering, but He never wastes it.

God can bring good even out of painful circumstances.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God…” — Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Consider Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers:

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” — Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)

God didn’t cause their evil, but He redeemed it for His purposes.

5. God entered our suffering through Jesus Christ.

Christianity is unique because God did not remain distant from suffering. Jesus was rejected, beaten, crucified, and experienced grief firsthand.

“He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” — Isaiah 53:3 (NKJV)

On the cross, Jesus bore our sin and opened the way for redemption.

6. God will one day judge evil completely.

God’s patience should not be mistaken for indifference. The Bible teaches that justice is coming.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

One day Christ will remove evil forever.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying…” — Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

A Simple Answer You Could Give:

“God is all-powerful and completely good. Evil exists not because God created it, but because He created people with the freedom to choose, and sin entered the world through human rebellion. Much of the suffering we see is the result of living in a fallen creation. Yet God didn’t leave us in our pain. He entered our suffering through Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to defeat sin and death. Today He offers hope, forgiveness, and strength, and one day He will bring perfect justice and remove evil forever. Until then, He calls us to trust Him and to be His hands and feet in a hurting world.”

Ultimately, the cross is the greatest answer to the problem of evil. If God were indifferent to suffering, He would never have sent His own Son to endure it. The resurrection assures us that evil and death do not have the final word.

Team Wade loves you and is praying for you 👊❤️