Why Does God Allow Evil in the World?

One of the most difficult questions in Christianity is: "Why does a loving and all-powerful God allow evil to exist?" If God is good, why is there suffering, pain, and sin in the world? While we may not fully grasp God’s ways, Scripture gives us insight into His purpose and plan. Evil was never His design, but He allows it for a greater purpose—one that ultimately leads to redemption, growth, and a deeper understanding of His goodness.

Evil Makes Goodness More Visible

Imagine a world without darkness. If everything was light, would we even recognize its brightness? The existence of evil helps us see the goodness of God more clearly. Without suffering, we wouldn't fully appreciate peace. Without hate, we wouldn’t understand love. Without sin, we wouldn’t grasp the power of grace and forgiveness.

Jesus Himself came into a world filled with sin and brokenness to reveal the truth and bring salvation. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The darker the world gets, the more visible God’s light becomes. Without the contrast of evil, we might take God’s goodness for granted, never truly realizing our need for Him.

The Story of Lucifer and the Angels

Before humanity even fell into sin, evil began in heaven with Lucifer. He was a magnificent angel, created perfect and given everything he needed. He lived in the presence of God’s glory, lacking nothing. However, because he had never experienced evil or pain, he did not fully understand what he had. Instead of cherishing his place with God, he became prideful and desired to be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:12-15).

Lucifer’s fall and the rebellion of other angels show us that even those who have everything can still turn away from God if they do not understand the alternative. The angels who remained with God saw what happened to Lucifer and his followers, and this strengthened their love and loyalty to God. In the same way, when we witness the effects of sin in the world, we are reminded of why we need God’s righteousness and grace.

Free Will and the Choice to Love

God allows evil because He gave us free will. Love is not genuine if it is forced. If God had created a world where no one could choose to do wrong, then love, obedience, and faith would be meaningless. The ability to choose between good and evil gives us the opportunity to truly love and follow God.

In Deuteronomy 30:19, God tells His people, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” He does not force anyone to choose Him, but He offers us the chance to experience His goodness by turning away from sin and walking in His ways.

God’s Promise of Redemption

While evil exists now, it is not permanent. God has a plan for redemption, and through Jesus, He has already won the victory over sin and death. Revelation 21:4 tells us, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

One day, God will remove all evil, but for now, He uses it to draw people closer to Him. Many people come to faith in times of suffering because hardship opens their hearts to the reality of their need for God. Even in the midst of evil, God is working for good, just as He did through Jesus’ death on the cross—the greatest evil led to the greatest act of love and redemption.

Final Thoughts

While we may never fully understand why God allows evil, we can trust that He has a purpose. The existence of darkness makes His light shine even brighter, and our experiences with sin and suffering make us appreciate His goodness even more. Just as the angels in heaven saw the consequences of Lucifer’s rebellion and remained faithful, we, too, can choose to stay close to God and trust in His plan.

If this encouraged you, share it with a friend who could benefit from this message today.