Why does God let innocent people suffer?

TL;DR:

We don't always know why God allows suffering, but we do know that God provides comfort for suffering. Though we may not understand why God allows even innocent people to suffer, we can respond with patience and trust.

what does the bible say?

The Bible reveals that God is good (Nahum 1:7) and that He allows suffering (1 Peter 4:19). This is not a contradiction because these two attributes are not mutually exclusive. The purpose of suffering is to refine individuals, strengthen their faith, and ultimately, bring glory to God (Romans 5:3–5). We often draw closer to God during times of suffering as we realize that He alone is our refuge (Psalm 91:2).

Sometimes, suffering is a direct result of the sufferer's sin. At other times, suffering is caused by the sinfulness of another. Suffering due to natural diseases and disasters is a consequence of the fall and our broken world (Romans 8:22).

Regarding innocent people, there is no one who is truly innocent since there is no one without sin (Romans 3:23). Only Jesus truly was innocent (2 Corinthians 5:21), yet He endured the suffering of the cross. The crucifixion didn’t put an end to suffering; it is where God entered into suffering. God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4).

from the old testament

Suffering was not part of God's original creation. Everything He created was "very good" (Genesis 1:31).
God did not bring death and suffering into the world. Man did (Genesis 3).
It is plausible that God cannot reveal the mystery of why innocent people suffer to us because it is beyond human understanding (Isaiah 55:9).

from the new testament

Christians are called to rejoice and be glad in our suffering, knowing that it produces endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3–5).
Suffering for the sake of suffering is not what God has in mind when He allows us to sustain difficulty. There is a reason why we go through it (Romans 8:28).
Your personal suffering is a way of finding empathy for others. Then, the hurt is no longer a burden to carry, but it becomes a tool to comfort others in their suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).
Christians can suffer for doing what is right. But God will bless them, and they should not fear persecution (1 Peter 3:14).

implications for today

Many of the men and women mentioned in Hebrews 11 endured suffering. Yet they clung to the promises of God and did not give up hope. Today, those who follow the teachings of Jesus and do what is right often experience suffering, including persecution (John 3:19–21; 15:18–21; 1 Peter 3:14). Rather than detract from the character of God, this suffering draws attention to the fact that followers of Christ are not part of this fallen world. When we can delight in God, even in the midst of our sufferings, we bring God glory.

When Joni Eareckson Tada was 17 years old, she had a diving accident that paralyzed her from the shoulders down. She has also battled stage 3 cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic pain. Joni says there’s a divine mystery in suffering, but not a mystery without direction. In the moments when it becomes too painful to even string two words together to form a prayer, Joni says that hymns are often her most dependable source of comfort that leads to Jesus. Songs of suffering, such as "Be Still My Soul," are what the Lord uses to comfort her, guide her, and give her hope. Singing rich hymns can comfort you as well!

understand

God allows suffering to refine faith and bring glory, while providing comfort.
No one is truly innocent except Jesus, who shared in our suffering to comfort us.
Suffering stems from sin and brokenness, calling Christians to respond with hope and trust in God.

reflect

How do you personally find comfort and hope when you face suffering or see innocent people suffer?
In what ways has suffering shaped your faith or drawn you closer to God?
How do you wrestle with the tension between God’s goodness and the reality of suffering in the world?

engage

How can understanding that suffering refines faith change the way we support those who are hurting?
How does Jesus’ own suffering provide a model for how we can respond to pain and injustice?
How might we better reflect hope and comfort to those who endure suffering around us?