Q:Why do bad things happen to good people?

A:Bad things (sickness, disease, crime, accidents, suffering, etc.) happen because of sin. People are not perfect (Romans 3:10-12, 23) and so often make less than perfect decisions. The world that we live in is also not perfect (the Bible calling it "this dark world" in Ephesians 6:12) and as a result accidents and natural disasters take place. Bad things also occur because of the Devil and the evil forces and spirits under his power (Ephesians 6:12).

Something important to remember is that God is not to blame for bad things that happen. God is the solution to all that is bad rather than the source of it. We see this in the ministry of Jesus where He would help and heal and show compassion to those in need. We also see that God is the solution to all that is bad as we look to the cross – where Jesus defeated sin, death, and the devil.

As we face bad circumstances, God has not left us helpless. Ephesians 6:13-18 describes armor that we can use to wield an offensive attack against the bad things we face. We can also take comfort in that bad things will not go on forever. In Heaven, perfection will be restored. Revelation 21:4 says, "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."