Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Why do bad things happen to good people? It's a question that stirs deep emotions and profound confusion, especially when we face personal trials, loss, or injustice.

I recently came across an Instagram video from a pastor attempting to answer this very question. He said, “People ask me, ‘Pastor, if God is good, why do bad things happen to good people?’” His answer? “I DON’T KNOW, but I know God is good.”

While I appreciate his honesty and his acknowledgment of the mystery of suffering, I believe we can explore this question more deeply. So, let's dive in.

What Do We Mean by “Bad Things” and “Good People”?

Before we can truly explore the question, we need to define what we mean by “bad things” and “good people.” In the context of this discussion, “bad things” refer to events or circumstances that cause suffering, injustice, or pain—things like illness, loss, violence, or hardship.

As for “good people,” this is a trickier term. We often think of “good people” as those who live morally upright lives, people who do good to others and avoid evil. But according to Scripture, there is a deeper truth: no one is truly good except God. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Even the most well-intentioned among us have flaws and are separated from God by our sin. The only true "good" in the world is God Himself.

So, when we ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" we need to remember that, spiritually speaking, all of us fall short, and only God is truly good. This helps us frame our question more accurately and biblically.

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Christians?

Let’s start by exploring why bad things happen to those who follow Christ. If God is good, why do Christians, who have surrendered their lives to Him, still face suffering?

The answer may surprise you: many of the "bad" things we experience in life are, in fact, part of God's greater plan for our spiritual growth. While these things are painful in the moment, they ultimately serve a good purpose. Here are four reasons why bad things might happen to Christians:

1. Discipline from a Loving Father

One of the most important reasons bad things happen to Christians is for discipline. Hebrews 12:6 tells us, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

Think of how parents discipline their children. Parents correct their kids not out of anger, but out of love and responsibility. They want what’s best for their children—teaching them to be kind, patient, and self-controlled. Similarly, God disciplines us because He loves us and wants to shape our character.

Even though we may not enjoy discipline, it's a sign of God's love for us. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

2. Testing and Strengthening Our Faith

Another reason Christians face hardship is to test and strengthen our faith. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Trials challenge us to rely on God’s plan rather than our own. When faced with difficulty, we are forced to choose whether we will trust God or take matters into our own hands. And through this process, our faith becomes more steadfast and resilient.

James also tells us in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” These trials are not in vain—they purify and strengthen us.

3. Purification and Sanctification

Another reason for suffering is purification. Just like gold is refined through fire, our faith is purified through trials. Zechariah 13:9 speaks to this: “I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”

When we are born again, the process of sanctification begins. Through suffering, we are refined and made more like Christ. This process is not easy—it’s often painful—but it leads to deeper faith and greater spiritual maturity. 1 Peter 1:7 says, “So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

4. Persecution and Spiritual Warfare

Finally, Christians face suffering as a result of spiritual warfare and persecution. We live in a fallen world, and as followers of Christ, we are often opposed by the forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Living out our faith often puts us in the minority. Jesus Himself warned us that we would face hatred from the world because of Him. John 15:18-19 says, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

Persecution and suffering for the sake of Christ are signs that we are standing firm in our faith. 1 Peter 4:12-14 encourages us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Non-Christians?

Now let’s briefly explore why bad things happen to people who aren’t Christians. The answer is simple, yet sobering: without God’s protection and guidance, anything can happen.

In a world that is fallen and under spiritual warfare, those who don’t have Christ are vulnerable. Without the Holy Spirit guiding them, and without angels to protect them (Hebrews 1:14), they are exposed to the chaos of a sinful world.

Additionally, non-believers lack the connection with God that Christians have. John 9:31 tells us, “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.” While this doesn’t mean that God never hears the cries of non-believers, it does emphasize that without the covering of Christ’s grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, there is no open line of communication with God.

However, sometimes, bad things happen to non-Christians to bring them to faith. Jesus healed a man born blind, and the disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus responded, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3)

God often uses hardship and suffering as a means to reveal His power and draw people to Himself.

Conclusion: A Long Answer to a Simple Question

In the end, the question of why bad things happen to good people doesn’t have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. But I hope this exploration has shed light on some of the deeper reasons behind suffering, especially for those who are in Christ. While we may not fully understand all of God’s purposes, we can trust that He is good, and that even in the midst of pain, He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

If you’re going through a difficult time, remember that God’s discipline, His testing of your faith, His purification of your soul, and even the spiritual battles you face are all part of His loving plan for you.

And if you're not a Christian, consider this: bad things happen to bring us to faith in Christ, to show us our need for a Savior. God is calling you to Himself, even through your struggles.