Why do bad things happen to good people?

[followingtheway]

They say “life is not fair”, but if so, where does God fit into that picture? What are your thoughts? Keep in mind, I’m not an Atheist.

God bless :byzsoc:

David

 

[Bookcat]

vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P19.HTM

 

[vsedriver]

They say “life is not fair”, but if so, where does God fit into that picture? What are your thoughts? Keep in mind, I’m not an Atheist.

God bless :byzsoc:

David

God is there to give people the strength to endure living in a mortal world. Hold fast to Him and a person will reap the reward of never having a bad thing happen to a good person for eternity.

 

[EricFilmer]

I think a good way to contemplate this is to examine what would happen if, in this life, bad things only happened to bad people and good things only happened to good people. Here would be the ramifications…

1. As the Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because our goodness is rated against the perfection of God’s justice, no one is good. Therefore, good things would not happen to any one.

But for the rest of these, let us presume that people can still be “good enough” to be considered good in this life…

1. If we say that people are a mixture of good and bad (in the sense that a person can do righteous deeds sometimes and sinful deeds at others) then they would experience a mixture of good and bad things in their lives, probably resembling the way things actually happen in reality.
2. If God ensures that only good things happen to good people and only bad things to bad people then he is effectively meting out judgement, rewards and punishments prior to the end of that person’s life. It could be argued that people would not gain a proper appreciation of the final judgement, nor a proper joyful anticipation of the wonders of heaven, nor a proper fear of hell. Basically, people’s focus could be too much on the passing things of this world (more so than it is already) rather than on heaven, hell & purgatory.
3. Often it is the experience of bad things that help us to exercise the various virtues in a profound way. For example, in the face of suffering one can exercise faith, hope, patience and perseverance. St. Paul’s “thorn” helped him to exercise the virtue of humility (2Cor 12:7-10).
4. The bad things in life may not objectively be bad, because they can allow for good outcomes. For example, patiently enduring the bad things in life can help us atone for our sins (2Tim 2:3; Heb 12:5-7). Also, in experiencing the bad things in this life, people can develop more sympathy and caring dedication for others who are undergoing the same. Therefore, it promotes charity.
5. Because a person is harmed by his own sins (either in a mystical way, a physical way, or both) then God would have to ensure that a good person never sins (otherwise a bad thing would happen to a good person). In doing this, God would have to rob good people of their free will.
6. If God did not permit good things to happen to bad people, then it would be impossible for bad people to become good. For example, going to confession and being absolved of ones sins is a good thing, so if a bad person would be barred from that within this scenario.

In light of such ramifications, I think it makes sense how, in this life, people can experience both good and bad things.

Scripture Verses on the Positive Aspects of Suffering

 

[gubernova]

I have severe OCD and Bipolar Disorder so I feel I apt to respond to this question. These disorders are not sent by God to test me, if so the cruelty of God would be immense. It is easy for those who speak of struggling from their perch of normalcy. I have faith because it comforts me through the difficulties. I have a biological disorder that comes into question my every decision thus stripping me of my free will. I have done sinful things that I am not in control of making. The only comfort I feel is that God forgives me and my problems have given me great empathy for others. Suffering is a human condition that befalls us all. “Bad things” would be worse without God’s grace, and I do not believe that Satan is at work on earth.

 

[White_Peony]

Like gold is put through fire, our God puts us through tragedies to make us stronger. You are not going to learn patience if you never are in a situation that requires it. It’s also God’s way of testing us. When bad things happen, do we stick to God and let him help us? Or do we get mad at God and hate Him forever?

 

[gubernova]

Stronger? I understand difficulties that help us change our course in life, but not difficulties that are cruel and destroy self-identity. God can bend us but should not break us.

 

[White_Peony]

I have severe OCD and Bipolar Disorder so I feel I apt to respond to this question. These disorders are not sent by God to test me, if so the cruelty of God would be immense. It is easy for those who speak of struggling from their perch of normalcy. I have faith because it comforts me through the difficulties. I have a biological disorder that comes into question my every decision thus stripping me of my free will. I have done sinful things that I am not in control of making. The only comfort I feel is that God forgives me and my problems have given me great empathy for others. Suffering is a human condition that befalls us all. “Bad things” would be worse without God’s grace, and I do not believe that Satan is at work on earth.

Perhaps God made you this way to show people who He is. It says in John 9:2-3
2"And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’
3"Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.’"

 

[Viola_Incognita]

They say “life is not fair”, but if so, where does God fit into that picture?

When I was growing up, I always hated to hear, “life isn’t fair” because what it really meant was that people weren’t fair; they weren’t going to help or listen.

I say, “Life isn’t fair because people aren’t fair.”

God fits in when people chose to love.

One way we experience God is through others when they listen, talk, show kindness, etc… We bring Jesus to others through our loving actions.

 

[gubernova]

When I was growing up, I always hated to hear, “life isn’t fair” because what it really meant was that people weren’t fair; they weren’t going to help or listen.

I say, “Life isn’t fair because people aren’t fair.”

God fits in when people chose to love.

One way we experience God is through others when they listen, talk, show kindness, etc… We bring Jesus to others through our loving actions.

The problem with this is that not all suffering comes from the neglect of others.

 

[JohnMPhilomena]

I sent the following email to my son in Afghanistan this morning. His friend Daniel was killed in action a few days ago.

Son,

I wanted to say how truly sorry I am at the loss of your friend Daniel. It sounds like he was a great guy and I know you and many others will miss him.

It really hit home for me and mom when we were reading these articles. The pictures of his mother could have been your mother. His sisters looked like your sisters, his brother could be your brother. We can only imagine the pain his family is going through and you are going through.

I’m sure you are suppressing the feelings of grief as you continue to do the job that you were called to do, but I know you will have to deal with those feelings at some point. Rest assured, if you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.

So what can I say? You and your fellow marines are in our prayers. All we can do is place our trust in God and pray that His will is done, not ours. So even though I can’t comprehend why he would allow someone like Daniel to be killed, I trust there is a reason. Maybe Daniel can help you better from where he is now. Maybe this will cause his family and community to turn to God. I don’t know, but I trust that God knows. Because He is all good. So offer all of your grief and pain up to Him for the souls in purgatory or whatever other intentions you have.

I hope at some point you will have the time and strength to write a letter to his family. I’m sure they would appreciate it.

Suffice it to say, we love you and are very proud of you.

God Bless and Semper Fi,
Dad

 

[puzzleannie]

why do good things happen to good people?

why do good things happen to bad people?

why do bad things happen to bad people?

whatever your answer is it will have to cover all these bases.

Why shouldn’t anyone experience both bad and good in a fallen world? What else would you expect?

 

[Viola_Incognita]

The problem with this is that not all suffering comes from the neglect of others.

Very true.

difficulties that are cruel and destroy self-identity. God can bend us but should not break us.

This reminds me of St. Bakhita. She was so abused that she didn’t even know her own name. God didn’t do that to her. But God did raise her up and saved her. God does not destroy, but He can take what was seemingly destroyed and transform it into something beautiful.

It’s the mystery of suffering.

 

[Loboto-Me]

Well said Eric

There’s also the verse in Matthew 5

[43] You have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thy enemy. [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies: do good to them that hate you: and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you: [45] That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven, who maketh his sun to rise upon the good, and bad, and raineth upon the just and the unjust.

 

[fhansen]

They say “life is not fair”, but if so, where does God fit into that picture? What are your thoughts? Keep in mind, I’m not an Atheist.

God bless :byzsoc:

David

My sister is dying of cancer as we speak. She always took very good care of herself-better than the rest of the family-in terms of diet, exercise, living right in general. Quite strong, very responsible. 18 months ago she was the picture of health. Now she struggles for each breath and looks like a victim of malnourishment. But she’s dying surrounded by love, as my parents did, and surrounded by faith, and there’s something somehow profound and dignified in it all-in her death. I can’t explain it to someone who hasn’t experienced it. The loss for the loved ones is equally profound, but death, itself, is the ultimate unfairness, an offense in a way- the final enemy as scripture puts it- and yet it’s the natural fate of us all. It’s a fate, however, that our faith resolves. Christs’ resurrection and accompanying promise of eternal life takes death’s sting away, given the grace of God to believe in it all. And grace is what it’s all about. And my sister now dies with grace in spite of- perhaps in defiance of-an awful disease that might seek to smear death’s ugliness and finality in our face. Nothing in this life is necessarily fair. But if we* learn* Gods place in it all-that He exists, that He’s good, and in control-that fairness beyond measure is His ultimate promise to those who live and die accepting His grace, then even now grace can overwhelm our perception of unfairness.

 

[FaithfulAndTrue]

I believe it is because, as Lord spoke to Paul (2 Cor 12:9) and said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”

When bad things happen to good people, we are reminded of how dependent of God we really are. And when faith prevails above those bad things, God’s power is magnified.

If good things happened only to “good people” and bad things happened only to “bad people”, there would be no use for God since “good” people would feel a false sense of pride/entitlement and “bad” people would only be motivated to be “good”.

 

[White_Peony]

Stronger? I understand difficulties that help us change our course in life, but not difficulties that are cruel and destroy self-identity. God can bend us but should not break us.

God only gives us what He knows we can handle. He won’t break us like you say. We feel like we could break, but He knows what’s best.

 

[razredge]

Simple - there universe operates according to free processes - sometimes these processes cause suffering.

Then there are the actions of free agents (like people) which can also cause suffering.

God doesn’t give you cancer, or make you born with disabilities etc.

 

[tonyrey]

To say that life is unfair implies that everyone should be given the same opportunities, talents and advantages - which is obviously absurd. How could everyone be born at the same time, in the same place, of the same parents and with the same prospects? Inequality is an inevitable fact of life regardless of morality.

There is also an element of chance in the outcome of events. Sooner or later some one is bound to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Disease, deformities and disasters are due to natural causes which are permitted by God because those causes are the very basis of life. Without gravity there would be no avalanches, mudslides or lava flows but neither would there be the wonder and beauty of nature.

Jesus showed us that unmerited and pointless suffering can be transformed into a source of perfection. If we suffer through no fault of our own we are the victims of evil. Like Him we can offer our pain and misery to atone for our sins and the sins of others. We can impose value, meaning and purpose on that which is valueless, meaningless and purposeless because we are made in the image of God who created everything out of nothing. He converted human cruelty into divine compassion by using the cross on which criminals were put to death as a source of life for us in heaven, demonstrating that there are no limits to the power of love if we follow the example of Our Lord…

 

[slatteryusmc]

I know that this subject in this forum hasn’t been touched for a while. Anyways, I’m trying to help a friend out. She has another friend, whom I’ve never met, who has a tumor. It might be pretty serious, as in life threatening. They are both Catholic, but I’m at a lost for words as what to say to explain why her friend might die before she is married and has children. My friend is having a hard time understanding how someone can be taken well before they’ve lived a full life. I understand where she’s coming from, I lost my father 8 years ago due to cancer, but he lived a full life. What can I say to bolster her faith?