How can Christians say God is fair if some people are born into suffering?

I – Introduction

When we see images of children in war zones or hear about babies born into extreme poverty, something deep within us cries out “This isn’t fair!” It’s one of the most challenging questions we face – how can a loving God allow such disparities in human circumstances? It’s like looking at a puzzle where some pieces seem to contradict the overall picture we expect to see.

N – Narrative Context

Historical Setting
This question has echoed through history. Ancient Jewish writers wrestled with it in the book of Job, one of the oldest biblical texts. The Roman philosopher Seneca questioned divine justice, and countless others have grappled with this issue.

Cultural Relevance
In our interconnected world, we’re more aware than ever of global inequalities. Social media brings distant suffering into our daily lives, making this question even more pressing and personal.

S – Scriptural Foundations

The Bible doesn’t shy away from this challenge. Job 3:20-23 voices raw questions about suffering. Jesus addresses it in John 9:1-3, challenging the assumption that suffering is always linked to sin. Romans 8:18-22 speaks of all creation groaning under the weight of brokenness.

P – Perspectives from Others

Other Worldviews
Buddhism sees suffering as inherent to existence. Hinduism explains it through karma and reincarnation. Secular humanists often point to this issue as evidence against the existence of a benevolent deity.

Scientific/Philosophical Views
Evolutionary biologists see suffering as part of natural selection. Psychologists study how adversity can lead to resilience and growth, though this doesn’t justify the suffering.

I – Identifying Misunderstandings

Common Objections
People often assume that fairness means equality of circumstances. But even in human terms, we recognize that fairness can mean giving different people what they need rather than identical treatment.

Clarifications
God’s fairness operates on an eternal scale, not just in our temporal experience. Think of it like a tapestry – we’re looking at the tangled threads on the back while God sees the complete picture on the front.

R – Relevance & Application for you

This question invites us to consider how we respond to others’ suffering. Rather than just philosophizing, we can become part of the answer through compassion and action. As James 1:27 suggests, true religion involves caring for those in distress.

E – Encouragement & Conclusion

While we may not have all the answers, we can trust in a God who entered into human suffering through Jesus. He didn’t stay distant but experienced pain, poverty, and injustice firsthand. This doesn’t explain all suffering, but it shows us a God who understands and cares.

D – Did You Know?

Historical records show that early Christians radically changed Roman society’s approach to suffering. During the Antonine Plague (165-180 AD), while most Romans fled infected areas, Christians stayed to care for the sick – including non-Christians. This led to higher survival rates in Christian-served communities and demonstrated a practical response to suffering that transformed society. The historian Rodney Stark argues that this response was a significant factor in Christianity’s growth.

I encourage you to keep wrestling with this question while considering how you might be part of the solution to someone else’s suffering. Sometimes the most profound answers come not through philosophical arguments but through compassionate action.