Understanding Suffering through the Lens of Free Will and Divine Mercy

The problem of suffering has perplexed humanity for centuries, often raising profound questions about the nature of God and His relation to human pain. From a biblical perspective, the answer to why a merciful and loving God permits suffering lies deeply rooted in the concept of free will and the nature of divine love.

In Christian theology, God is depicted as both omnipotent and omnibenevolent. He possesses the power to prevent all suffering and is fundamentally good and loving. Yet, suffering persists. To understand this, we must delve into the concept of free will—a gift from God that allows human beings to make genuine choices.

God, in His infinite wisdom and lovingkindness, created mankind with free will. This freedom is not merely an allowance for choices but an integral aspect of what it means to be human. The Bible teaches that God’s creation of humanity in His own image (Genesis 1:27) implies an inherent capacity for self-determination and moral decision-making. This gift of free will is a profound expression of God’s love. By giving humans the ability to choose, God affirms the value of authentic relationships and love.

Free will, while a divine gift, also carries significant consequences. The Bible recounts the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where their choice to disobey God introduced sin into the world (Genesis 3). This original act of disobedience brought about a cascade of suffering and moral brokenness, affecting all of creation.

Suffering, therefore, can be viewed as a consequence of human choices. It is not that God desires suffering, but rather that He allows it as a byproduct of the genuine freedom He has bestowed upon humanity. This freedom is crucial because it allows for true love and moral integrity. Without free will, love would be reduced to mere mechanical compliance rather than a conscious, voluntary act.

Despite its capacity to lead to suffering, free will also offers profound eternal benefits. It enables genuine relationship and love between humans and God. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the relationship between God and humanity as one of love and choice. For instance, John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This eternal life is not merely a reward for passive existence but a fulfillment of a relationship chosen freely.

The choice to love God, to seek Him, and to align one’s life with His will is the highest form of freedom and, paradoxically, the path to ultimate fulfillment. Suffering in the temporal world is juxtaposed with the promise of eternal joy and peace that transcends the immediate pain. Romans 8:18 assures us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

From a biblical viewpoint, suffering can also serve a transformative purpose. It can refine character, build resilience, and deepen one’s reliance on God. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth: “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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

In this light, suffering is not meaningless but part of a divine process that can lead to greater spiritual maturity and closeness to God. It is through our struggles and choices that we learn to trust and experience the depth of God’s love and mercy.

When we struggle with trials and problems in life, it helps to keep in mind the biblical perspective. This point of view on suffering reconciles the existence of pain with the nature of a merciful and loving God through the lens of free will. I thank God for the free will that allows for genuine love and moral decision-making, which, while leading to potential suffering, also opens the door to a profound and authentic relationship with Him. It truly is a divine gift that comes to us as a challenge and a blessing, providing a context where we can develop true love for God and trust in His promises of eternal joy. Keeping our attention focused on the ultimate goal of eternity in His present helps us endure despite the reality of present suffering. In embracing this perspective, believers are invited to trust in God’s loving plan, knowing that their suffering is not in vain but part of a larger, redemptive narrative that ultimately leads to eternal fulfillment and peace.