WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

The world we live in is one filled with pain and suffering and in truth, there is no one who is not affected by the harsh realities of life. The question “why do bad things happen to good people”. Is one of the most difficult questions asked in not just theology but the world in general.

Some of our curiosities or questions are; why do some infants from birth suffer acute physical diseases while some are mental seeing most of these videos on social media via our phones can bring us to tears and ask the question;

What crime, wrong or sin could they have committed at such a tender age but the Bible records that every man is born in iniquity in psalm 51:5 which says “ Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me”.

Our level of understanding forces us to believe that they do not have the capacity to sin but looking at it from a more practical perspective, we can also ask questions like;

• Did the Child’s parent do something that is affecting their child, maybe wrong medications, lack of proper care during the pregnancy process?

• Isn't the law of cause and effect operating?

But the answer to this is simple; sufferings appear in many forms.

For example while some children are born into a family of lack and have to struggle to get the barest minimum of amenities some others were born into wealth, quality food and education, and the best of luxuries but on a deeper level, the ones born into these fancy lifestyle might be battling things that seem unfathomable to others like terminal illnesses or dyslexia preventing them from enjoying the quality education they are given.

Biblically, we have a perfect example of someone who suffered a lot of misfortune although he was a good man. Job was a perfect example of why bad things happen to good people.

In the book of God we see God boast about his servant Job to Satan but Satan counters God and tells him to remove his protective covering and see if Job will not curse him. But we see in consequent chapters that even though Job lost all he had  in one day, was struck with sores and his wife left him, he still chose to believe in God. And said things like “Though he slay me yet will I hope in him (Job 13:15).

So then why exactly do bad things happen to good people? We must remember that no one is good but God and sometimes someone who you see as good, might be bad to other people 

I have heard people make statements like  ‘Even a witch does not harm her own’.

When you hear the word witch, the first thing that comes to mind is evil, darkness and wickedness but to a witch's own, is she seen as such? Is she seen as someone heartless, cruel and wicked?.

In other opinions, bad things happen to good people because the wicked are in power. We see in the book of Proverbs 29:2  that when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice but when the wicked bears rule the people mourn now what do I mean.

In our present world today, mostly in third world countries like Nigeria we have had leaders who have not exactly put the interest of people at heart and we see that the people with the true capacity for these leadership roles are not given a second thought because of Nepotism, or because they are good people and refuse to participate in the evil they do.

So I will say this. Bad things just happen and maybe we see it more on the ones we consider good because it is what is shown to us. There is a popular saying “ Even the rich cry”. I believe that 100% and everyone has their own struggle  they just show you what they want you to see.

Furthermore, it's important to acknowledge that our definitions of "good" and "bad" are often subjective and limited. We may not always have a complete understanding of a person's life or the intricate web of cause and effect. What appears to be an unjust misfortune might, in a larger context, be a catalyst for growth, resilience, or a profound shift in perspective. Sometimes, challenging experiences, though painful, can lead to the development of empathy, wisdom, and a deeper appreciation for life's fleeting moments.

 Ultimately, while there may be no single, universally satisfying answer, to this question often encourages us to find meaning in adversity and to continue striving for good, even in the face of life's inherent unfairness.

In conclusion, I believe God is the supreme judge and he determines who is good or bad. The Bible says in 9:15 about God's mercy and how he decides whom he wants to show his mercy on.  That person you consider a sinner, or a bad person might be someone God decides to show his mercy.

Does that mean God is partial? No, he is not and is a just God and he loves all his children and if you think bad things are happening to you, go to him in prayer and maybe just maybe it is a trial to make you an even better human being.

And just like we say gold is passed through hot burning fire in order to shine and sparkle as it does so consider it refinement and do not lose hope.