Lesson 17

Why do Evil and Suffering Exist?

February 20, 2025
Evil
Suffering

Have you ever had to get ready for something really big, like a soccer game or a piano recital? I am sure you spent weeks practicing. Getting ready is important so you will do your best. But there is something much more important than soccer or piano. As you get older, you’re going to get asked questions about what you believe. You will meet people who just want to know more because they are actually curious. And you’ll also meet some people who don’t believe what you believe. They don’t believe that Jesus ever existed or that the Bible is true. These people may ask questions to try to challenge your faith. Let’s get ready to talk about Jesus and the hope that you have! When people ask you why you are happy or why you do good things, be ready to tell them all about Jesus.

Why do Evil and Suffering Exist?

Why do Evil and Suffering Exist?

Apologetics

    The word “apologetics” comes from the Greek word “apologia”, which means “to give an answer.” So, when you hear apologetics, don’t think of it as us learning how to apologize. Think of it as learning how to answer questions about our faith.

‍“...if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15b

‍God wants us to be ready to explain our faith. Here are 3 ways.

Study the Bible

Memorize answers to tough questions

Pray and ask God to help you understand the truth.

Hard Question #1 that Christians Get Asked

If God is good, why is there evil and suffering in the world?

    How can we respond to that question? We can say that God never wanted there to be evil and suffering in the world. When He created humans, He gave them free will. Free will means they can make their own choice to love Him, obey Him, and follow Him. God knew that was the only way to have a real relationship with us. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve made the wrong choice. The Bible says: “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” Romans 5:12. The perfect world that God created was ruined. God never wanted death and disease and sin to exist. The result of their decision to disobey God is that we are all now born with a sin nature and we continue to choose to disobey God. The presence of evil and suffering DOES NOT mean that God doesn’t love us. In fact, it’s important to remember that God promises to work everything together for our good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). God can and will work through our tough times. Suffering will not last forever. It is simply part of living in this fallen world. We may not always know why we’re going through a difficult time, but we should always know; God is good, and He loves us. Andin turn, evil will not last forever either. When we get to Heaven everything will be made perfect!

Read, Pray, Share!

Worship Songs

Can't Steal My Joy

Memory Verse

“...if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”
– 1 Peter 3:15b
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Lesson 17

Why do Evil and Suffering Exist?

February 20, 2025
Evil
Suffering

Have you ever had to get ready for something really big, like a soccer game or a piano recital? I am sure you spent weeks practicing. Getting ready is important so you will do your best. But there is something much more important than soccer or piano. As you get older, you’re going to get asked questions about what you believe. You will meet people who just want to know more because they are actually curious. And you’ll also meet some people who don’t believe what you believe. They don’t believe that Jesus ever existed or that the Bible is true. These people may ask questions to try to challenge your faith. Let’s get ready to talk about Jesus and the hope that you have! When people ask you why you are happy or why you do good things, be ready to tell them all about Jesus.

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