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Genesis 4:8 - Why Do Good People Suffer?

Genesis 4:8 (NKJV) Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

CONTEXT

Adam and Eve's disobedience brought sin into the human race. They may have thought their sin - eating a piece of fruit - wasn't very bad, but notice how quickly their sinful nature developed in their children. Simple disobedience quickly degenerated into outright murder. Adam and Eve acted only against God, but Cain acted against both God and another person. A small sin has a way of growing out of control. Let God help you with your "little" sins before they turn into tragedies. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY

   One Biblical explanation of why God allows bad things to happen. If we start with the first account of murder, in Genesis 4, we see that Cain had the inherent intention of killing his brother, Abel. Completely outside of God's will, and despite a clear warning, Cain still chose to kill Abel in a fit of jealousy and rage.
   This example shows that mankind was created with free will - the choice to make decisions, both good and bad. Therefore, one Biblical reason why God allows bad things to happen is that people have the freedom to live and act according to their own decisions. While God desires for man to live in peace with Him and others, our own choices are the cause of much pain and grief.
   Looking at James 1:2-3, which reads, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance," we are given another reason why God allows bad things to happen.
   As trials come (as they do for us all), they test the strength of our faith. This process can be likened to a silversmith who refines silver. As the heat intensifies, dross rises to the surface and is removed to make the silver pure. So it is with our faith, that in every trial, we are tested, refined, and made stronger than before.
   Ultimately, we cannot speak for God or make assumptions as to why He allows bad things to happen. We can, however, rely on the Bible to guide us. And according to verses like Isaiah 30:18, we are assured that "the Lord is a God of justice." https://real-life.sanctifiedchurch.org 111925

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY

Genesis 4:6, 7 - Making Right Choices.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210821-1021.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/